As former U.S. Transportation Secretary, I want to assure the public that commercial air travel remains remarkably safe. I understand that numerous incidents of mechanical failures and emergencies reported on commercial airplanes have sparked concerns among passengers.
For example, United Airlines, one of the major carriers, faced a series of emergencies in the past week:
These events, coupled with a previous incident where a door plug tore off during an Alaska Airlines flight, have raised eyebrows. However, these isolated incidents do not paint the full picture of aviation safety.
Globally, commercial plane accidents have been on the decline. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in 2023, there were 30 total accidents involving commercial planes, with only one being fatal. Compare this to the previous year, which saw five deadly accidents resulting in 158 fatalities. Back in 2013, there were 11 fatal accidents causing 638 deaths. The risk of boarding a fatal flight has significantly decreased.
In brief, Flying remains safer than driving. While recent incidents may grab headlines, they represent isolated anomalies in an otherwise robust safety record.
Every time you get behind the wheel of a car, you run a risk of never getting out of it again. And don't even get me started about watercraft and submersibles! The fact is, you’re statistically safer in the sky than on the road.
About the author: Elaine Chao served as Deputy Secretary of Transportation under President George H.W. Bush and Secretary of Transportation under President Donald Trump. She also serves on the board of electric charger network provider ChargePoint and is committed to promoting the future of electric cars.
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