Air Crash Survival

Following on from a conversation with someone I watched a BBC documentary from some time back on the subject. While everyone hopes to never be in such a situation there were some statistics in the program which I didn't know and which might make some people feel better about flying.

About 95% of plane crashes have survivors.

Survival rates are higher if you are seated within seven rows of an exit (regular or emergency exit).

The jury is still out on where is the best place to sit. The article links below suggests the rear of the plane; the documentary experts said it depends on the way the plane comes down. Some people believe over the wing is the safest place as it is structurally stronger than other parts of the fuselage but if the wing is ripped off on impact that might not be the best seat.

Research shows that after a crash a very high percentage of passengers have difficulty opening their seat belt. Many, being disorientated and perhaps confused try to open the belt as if it were a car seat belt where you push a button. A surprisingly high number of people don't remember to lift the buckle.

Over water, too many people inflate their life vest in the aircraft. This is a big no-no. If the life vest is inflated before exiting the plane, when the cabin floods the passenger will float up towards the cabin roof making it very difficult to swim down to the emergency exit.

Cabin floor strip lights may be difficult to see because of smoke but are colour coded red and green indicating the direction of the nearest emergency exit.

Adopting a correct brace position in key to reducing injuries when the plane hit the ground or water at speed.

I used to wonder why cabin lights were dimmed before landing and then I read that it is a safety measure so that your eyes are accustomed to darkness in case there is an accident and the cabin fills with smoke.

Below are links worth reading about Air Crash Survival Tips which might help ease your concerns:

wikiHow Article

The Telegraph

Scientific American