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If you’ve flown on an airplane, you probably remember the safety briefing before takeoff.
This might make flying seem kind of scary, but put your fears aside.
You’re actually pretty safe up there.
There are less than two accidents for every MILLION commercial flights.
And even if you happen to be in one, you’ll probably survive.
Of the over 40 million passenger and cargo flights in 2016, only 10 had deadly accidents.
In the United States, it’s much more dangerous to be in a motor vehicle, where the odds of
dying from an accident are 1 in 114.
Airplanes are built to be really secure.
Before a new aircraft ever leaves the ground, manufacturers put the model through tons of
tests that look at things like extreme heat and cold, high winds, excess water, ice, and
lightning strikes.
They even launch dead birds into engines to make sure the plane will stay intact if it
accidentally hits a flock.
The rigorous testing also includes the wings.
You may have seen airplane wings bending up and down during turbulence.
And that’s ok...in fact, they’re made to do that!
If the wings were completely rigid, they would break during rough air.
Instead, they bend a little to take the force.
The Federal Aviation Administration in the US requires that wings be able to handle at
least 1.5 times the maximum load they would experience on a flight.
Some can even bend close to 90 degrees without breaking!
Just like the outside of the plane, the inside is built for safety.
Your seat might be uncomfortable, but it could also save your life.
Each seat can take up to 16 gs of force.
It’s also made of flame-retardant materials, as are the walls and carpets.
If an accident does happen, aircraft are designed to be evacuated quickly.
Ever wonder why they dim the cabin lights for takeoff and landing at night?
It might help you fall asleep, but the real purpose is to get your eyes used to the dark
in case the power goes out or there’s smoke.
And if smoke blocks the overhead lights, there are lights on the floor that will guide you
to the exits.
There’s also a reason your seat has to be upright for takeoff and landing.
An upright seat locks into position and can handle more force, whereas a reclined seat
can thrust forward, causing you injuries.
Plus, keeping your seat reclined is dangerous for the people behind you, who won’t be
able to get out quickly or brace themselves.
And bracing for impact can mean the difference between surviving and not.
Although every accident is different, the best position for most people is to bend forward,
seat belt fastened with your feet on the floor and your arms between your head and the seat
in front of you.
This will keep your head from snapping forward into the next seat.
It might also make a difference which seat you’re sitting in.
Two studies found that people sitting near the rear of the plane were a bit more likely
to survive a deadly crash.
But this isn’t true in every case, and there’s no place where you’ll be completely safe.
The best way to protect yourself is to listen to the crew and follow all safety instructions.
Do you love to fly?
Or are you still a little scared?
Let me know in the comments below.
So you’re likely going to survive your next flight.
Phew!
But have you wondered if you could survive 2.5 million years ago?
Check out this video.
Make sure you come back every Monday for a brand new video.
As always, I’m Blocko and this has been Life Noggin.
Don’t forget to keep on thinking!