Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Conversation
The Conversation
Mihhail Berezovski, Associate Professor of Mathematical Sciences, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Compared to driving, flying is extraordinarily safe – but why doesn’t it feel that way?

Millions of people fly safely every day, but when plane crashes do happen, they can be catastrophic. RM Bulseco/Flickr, CC BY

A commercial airplane crash can change how people behave long after the immediate tragedy. News outlets replay the images, people affected share their harrowing stories, and an extraordinarily rare event becomes easy to imagine. Some travelers cancel trips; others drive to their destination instead.

These choices may feel cautious. Statistically, the alternatives people switch to may come with greater risk.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.