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

When it comes to transportation, there’s a hidden danger in choosing what feels safer.

By: Mihhail Berezovski, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Alex Chaparro, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 3, 2026

Words: 1,591

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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By Mihhail Berezovski, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Alex Chaparro, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

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.

Commercial airline …

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