We fear the wrong things – mortality statistics in planes and cars

A study by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University compared the risks of various modes of transport. The probability of dying in a car crash over a similar distance is 626 times higher than during a flight. Motorcycles are more than 22,000 times more dangerous than planes, and buses are about 9 times more dangerous. Aerophobia affects one in six people, although plane crashes are rare but receive extensive media coverage.

A new study by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, reported by the Daily Mail, compared the risks of various modes of transport. Researchers analyzed mortality rates in U.S. commercial aviation from 2016 to 2025. The results show that cars and trucks are 626 times more dangerous than planes over a similar distance. Motorcycles exceed aviation risks by more than 22,000 times, and intercity buses by about 9 times. The researchers also compared air travel to hobbies: skiing or snowboarding is 73 times more dangerous, diving 180 times, marathon running 202 times, and skydiving 422 times. The article explains that aerophobia affects one in six people, although plane crashes are extremely rare but receive enormous media attention, creating an illusion of high danger. The material is based on Daily Mail data and does not contain references to the original study.