Back in 1980 I flew from St Louis to Seattle to visit an old friend. It was my first plane ride as an adult, and I spent much of it working myself into a near-panic about what would happen if we went down. Before boarding the return flight, I downed about four gin and tonics inside of half an hour and spent most of that flight sleeping instead of worrying.
I didn't fly again for over ten years. And then only because I HAD to, to get where I wanted to go. And after I read some comforting statistics about the relative safety of air travel. Still, I prefer not to look down at the waves of the Arctic Ocean...
Now I've learned some interesting -- and possibly comforting -- statistics related to air crashes and what you can do to increase your chances of survival.
First of all, remember that, according to the National Transportation Safety Board the survival rate of all airplane crashes from 1983 to 2000 was 95.7%. Yes, there were a few crashes which killed everybody on board. It happens, but they're the rare exception (thank goodness).
In those 18 years twenty-six accidents were the most serious, yet the survival rate of even the biggest crashes was still just 76.6%. Bad news for the 23.4% who didn't make it, but still a far cry from "we're all doomed."
What's really sad is that, according to the European Transport Safety Council, 40% of plane crash fatalities happened in survivable situations. The difference between survivors and fatalities often lies in what they each do or don't do.
Statistically, lean young men have the best odds of surviving. I personally believe it has nothing to do with genitals, just general athleticism and upper body strength. You may have to pull yourself to an exit despite smoke and carbon dioxide fumes, and then crawl through a narrow exit.
So now you have another good reason to lose weight and get in shape. In a plane wreck I'd rather be an 80 year old thin woman who works out every day than an twenty year old coach potato dude.
The most important thing you can do is prepare yourself mentally. Do not drink or take a sleeping pill before you board the plane. While you wait to take off, don't try to sleep or put on earphones.
Pay attention to the safety instructions and the study the card. They're not just going through motions to distract you from reading the newspaper. Even if you're a frequent flyer and you've heard it many times before, pay attention. Every plane is different.
The first three minutes the plane takes off is one of the most dangerous periods. While you're still on the ground, prepare yourself.
Look around you. Find the nearest exit. Then, in case that one is blocked, find the second nearest exit.
Count the number of rows between you and the nearest exit. If the cabin fills with black smoke and the emergency lights don't work, counting rows is how you can still find your exit.
It may sound silly, but leave all your belongings behind. People have died because they took the time to go after their carryon bag.
Make sure your seat belt is as tight as possible while still comfortable. Practice unlocking it. After a crash, many a shell-shocked passenger has tried to press a button to unlock their seat belt as though it were an automobile seat belt. That could cost you precious seconds before you can exit the plane.
Practice the "brace position." Keep your feet flat on the floor. Lean forward and place your forward against the back of the seat in front of you, protecting your head with folded arms. If you're short and flexible enough, place your head on your knees with your arms folded around it. Use your pillow for added cushioning.
The eight minutes of landing is the other time when most plane crashes occur. So when your flight is nearly over, wake up and remain alert. Have your shoes -- not flip flops or high heels which can easily fly off -- on. You don't want to have to run barefoot over flaming hot metal.
The airline industry calls those take off and landing periods "Plus Three/Minus Eight." Those eleven minutes account for 80% of airplane accidents. And if you think about it, that's a good thing. I'd rather fall a few hundred feet than from 36,000 feet up!
A Popular Mechanics article once calculated that the safest seats in the plane are near the rear. Other experts say it just all depends on what kind of crash you're in.
According to Professor Ed Galea of the University of Greenwich in London, the safest seats are within five rows of an exit. Remember that the next time you get to choose your seat location.
Also, unless you're sitting right next to the exit, you're better off in an aisle seat because you can get out faster. Speed is critical.
If there is fire, keep your head down low -- heat will make the smoke and carbon dioxide rise.
If you do go down in a body of water, don't inflate your life preserver until you're out of the airplane.
If you do reach the exit and have to evacuate -- jump! Don't try to sit down to slide. You don't have time and neither do the passengers behind you. If it's me right behind you and you hesitate for more than two seconds, I'm going to push you out of the plane ready or not!
Once you're sliding, keep your arms crossed and your heels up. Once you reach the bottom, move out of the way.
Finally -- between take off and landing Plus Three/Minus Eight, relax and enjoy the ride. Statistically, your risk of dying during the flight from a stress-induced heart attack are much higher than from a plane crash.
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