Which is safer, a plane or a train?

Comparing the Safety of Planes and Trains

When it comes to long-distance travel, the choice between planes and trains often arises. While both modes of transportation offer their own advantages and disadvantages, safety is a paramount concern. Let’s delve deeper into the relative safety of planes and trains.

Statistical Analysis

Based on statistics, air travel is generally considered safer per mile traveled. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the average fatality rate for commercial airliners is 0.06 fatalities per 1 billion passenger kilometers. In comparison, the fatality rate for trains is slightly higher, at 0.09 fatalities per 1 billion passenger kilometers.

Per-Trip Safety Margin

However, when considering safety per trip, trains have a slight edge over planes. This is because planes typically carry a larger number of passengers than trains, resulting in a higher potential for fatalities in the event of an accident. On average, a plane carries around 150-200 passengers, while a train typically accommodates 50-100 passengers.

Historical Evidence

When examining historical data, both planes and trains have had their share of accidents. However, the overall safety record of both modes of transportation is impressive, with fatalities being relatively rare. In the United States, there were only 10 fatal plane crashes from 2010 to 2020, resulting in 253 fatalities. During the same period, there were 12 fatal train accidents, resulting in 105 fatalities.

Other Transportation Modes

It is important to note that both planes and trains are significantly safer than buses or cars. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 42,915 traffic fatalities in the United States in 2021. This amounts to 1.13 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. In comparison, the fatality rate for planes is roughly 30 times lower, and the fatality rate for trains is nearly 10 times lower.

Conclusion

While air travel is statistically safer per mile traveled, trains have a slightly higher safety margin per trip due to their lower passenger capacity. However, both planes and trains are far safer than buses or cars. Ultimately, the choice between the two modes of transportation should be based on personal preferences, convenience, and the specific circumstances of the journey.