Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers | October 22, 2025 | Personal Injury
When it comes to travel, many people ask the same question: Is it safer to fly or drive? This is an important question, especially for families, frequent travelers, and those nervous about flying. While both flying and driving come with risks, statistics and research clearly show that flying is safer than driving in many ways.
In this article, we’ll explain why, using real facts and comparisons that are easy to understand.
How Often Do Car Accidents Happen?
Car accidents are a daily part of life in Ohio and across the country. Every time you get behind the wheel, there’s a chance of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 40,000 deaths in the U.S. from motor vehicle crashes in 2023 alone.
That means, on average, more than 100 people die in car crashes every day. Ohio roads are not immune to this danger. In 2024, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reported more than 1,100 traffic fatalities. These accidents often happen due to distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, or poor weather conditions.
Driving may feel safer because it’s something most of us do every day. But the numbers show that it’s much riskier than most people think.
What About Airplane Safety?
When we hear about a plane crash on the news, it often grabs attention because it’s rare and dramatic. However, these crashes are extremely uncommon. In fact, flying is one of the safest forms of travel available.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) monitors airline safety in the U.S., and its data shows that fatal commercial airline crashes are incredibly rare. In 2023, there were zero deaths from U.S. commercial airline crashes. The chances of dying in a plane crash are roughly 1 in 11 million, compared to 1 in 101 for a car crash.
Airlines also follow strict safety rules. Pilots must go through intense training, and planes go through regular safety checks. Airports use advanced technology to track flights and weather patterns, helping avoid problems before they happen.
Why Do People Think Flying Is More Dangerous?
Even though the statistics clearly show flying is safer, many people are still afraid of flying. That fear often comes from the way information is shared. A plane crash, even if rare, is usually a big story on the news. This can make it seem like flying is more dangerous than it actually is.
On the other hand, car crashes are so common that they don’t always make headlines. People are also more in control when driving, so they feel safer, even though they are more at risk. In short, fear of flying often comes from emotion, not facts.
Understanding the Risk: Numbers Don’t Lie
One way to measure safety is by looking at how many deaths occur per mile traveled. According to the National Safety Council:
- Driving has about 1.5 deaths per 100 million miles traveled.
- Flying has about 0.07 deaths per 100 million miles traveled.
This shows that flying is more than 20 times safer than driving when comparing the same distance. Even private or small aircraft are statistically safer than many think, though they are less safe than commercial airlines.
When you factor in how often and how far people travel by car versus plane, the numbers become even clearer. The risk of a deadly crash is far lower in the air than on the road.
When Safety Matters Most, Know Your Rights
Whether you choose to fly or drive, understanding the risks and knowing your legal options is important. If you or someone you love is injured in a crash in Ohio, whether on the road or in the air, contact an experienced Ohio personal injury lawyer.
For more information, please contact an experienced lawyer at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Columbus, OH, and Charleston, WV.
Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Columbus, OH Office
20 E Broad St Suite 1000, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 587-8423
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Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Charleston, WV Office
10 Hale St Suite 501, Charleston, WV 25301
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