Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. | May 23, 2025 | Flying vs. Driving
Many people instinctively feel safer behind the wheel than in the passenger seat of a plane. Flying typically involves giving up control to a stranger in the cockpit and soaring thousands of feet in the air at hundreds of miles per hour.
Meanwhile, driving feels more familiar, even if it is statistically more dangerous. But what does the data say? Is flying safe, and how does it compare to driving?
The accident rate for commercial aviation is incredibly low. In fact, the lifetime odds of dying as an aircraft passenger in the United States were too small to calculate. This is partly due to modern aircraft being equipped with advanced safety features, and requirements that pilots undergo rigorous training and recurrent certifications.
Governmental organizations like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also closely monitor airline safety to identify risks and prevent accidents.
Most plane incidents that occur are minor and involve mechanical delays or precautionary landings rather than catastrophic crashes. Plane crashes are exceedingly rare, especially among commercial passenger airlines.
Globally, there are over 100,000 flights daily, and most take off and land without incident. In 2024, there were fewer than 50 accidents involving commercial airliners worldwide, and just seven fatalities across millions of flights.
Although rare, there are extreme cases where planes have crashed into cars during emergency landings. These incidents make headlines because they are uncommon and can stoke public fear.
Driving may feel safer than flying simply because it is familiar and routine. However, it is far more dangerous than flying. One of the key reasons is the sheer number of uncontrollable variables involved in everyday road travel.
These include:
These hazards combine to create an environment where accidents are common. In fact, motor vehicle accidents cause more than 40,000 deaths each year in the United States, making them one of the leading causes of accidental death.
This is partly because airline pilots undergo strenuous routine testing and physical evaluations, while most drivers can operate vehicles with little oversight after obtaining their license.
Whether you are injured in a car crash or a plane accident, the legal process to recover damages follows similar personal injury principles.
You must typically show the following to recover compensation:
Liability for aviation accidents may extend to a pilot, aircraft owner, maintenance provider, or even manufacturer if a defective part contributed to the crash.
In car accidents, another driver may be held liable. If you have been harmed in a motor vehicle crash, or the rare case that a plane crashed into your car, a Madison personal injury lawyer can help investigate, determine liability, and pursue fair compensation.
Despite public fear and recent news stories, the answer is yes, and the data speaks for itself. The odds of dying in a plane crash are minuscule, and the number of times planes crash is statistically negligible when it comes to commercial travel.
You may feel more in control behind the wheel of your car, but it is far more dangerous. If you or someone you know has suffered injuries due to a vehicle or aviation-related accident, a Madison personal injury lawyer can help. Schedule a free consultation and learn about your legal options and rights.
Eisenberg Law Offices S.C. is a trusted personal injury law firm in Madison, WI, dedicated to fighting for your deserved compensation. Our experienced attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and ensure your rights are protected. Contact us today for a free consultation.
We proudly serve Dane County, Jefferson County, Sauk County, Rock County, Columbia County, and their surrounding areas.
Eisenberg Law Offices S.C. – Madison
308 E Washington Ave
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 256-8356
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Madison, WI
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 43.0772892,-89.3811534,17
Get a free consultation.
No obligations.
