The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm | August 13, 2025 | Car Accidents
When planning a trip—whether for work or vacation—one question often arises: Is it safer to fly or drive? Many people feel nervous about flying because plane crashes, though rare, usually make the news. On the other hand, driving feels more familiar and under your control.
But which form of travel is truly safer? If you live in Virginia and are concerned about your safety while traveling, this article will help you understand the risks of flying and driving. It also explains how accident laws work if something goes wrong, especially if you or a loved one is injured in a crash.
Comparing Accidents in the Air and on the Road
Every year, thousands of people die in car crashes across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 40,000 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2023 alone. That breaks down to more than 100 people per day.
In comparison, fatal airline crashes are extremely rare. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that commercial flying in the U.S. sees fewer than 20 deaths a year, and some years have no fatalities at all on major U.S. airlines.
So while it may feel scarier to fly, the numbers show that driving is much more dangerous.
Why Is Driving More Risky?
There are many reasons why driving carries more risk than flying.
First, there are simply more cars on the road. In Virginia alone, millions of people drive every day. More cars mean more chances for mistakes and accidents.
Second, drivers face many distractions. Texting, speeding, drunk driving, and tired driving are all common causes of crashes. Even one small mistake—like running a red light—can have deadly results.
Unlike airline pilots, most drivers don’t go through hours of daily training. Pilots must pass strict tests and follow detailed safety rules. Most drivers, however, only take one test to get a license and may not keep up their skills over time.
Because of these reasons, car crashes are more likely to happen, and when they do, they can be severe.
Why Do Planes Rarely Crash?
Even though flying may seem scary, the airline industry takes safety very seriously. Airplanes undergo careful inspections before and after every flight. Pilots and flight crews follow strict checklists to ensure everything works correctly. Airports also use radar and communication systems to prevent planes from getting too close to each other.
Commercial pilots are highly trained professionals. They log hundreds of hours in the air and practice emergency procedures regularly. In addition, air traffic controllers help guide planes from takeoff to landing, lowering the chance of mistakes.
If something does go wrong, planes are built with backup systems. Many airplanes can even land safely with only one engine. Because of all these safety measures, flying is one of the safest ways to travel.
What Makes People Fear Flying?
Many people feel nervous about flying, even though it’s statistically safer. This fear often comes from a lack of control. When you’re on a plane, you can’t see what the pilot is doing. You also can’t pull over or get off if you feel unsafe.
Plane crashes, although rare, often make national or even international news. This makes them seem more common than they are. In contrast, car crashes happen daily, so they don’t always make headlines, even when deadly. Understanding the true risks can help people feel more confident about flying.
Contact Our Fairfax Car Accident Attorneys at The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm for Help
So, is flying safer than driving? Yes—statistically, flying is far safer than traveling by car. Planes are involved in far fewer accidents, and the chances of dying in a plane crash are incredibly small. That said, driving gives you more flexibility and can still be very safe when done responsibly.
If you or a loved one is hurt in any kind of crash, having the right legal help can protect your future. Whether it’s a fender bender on a Virginia highway or a rare incident involving air travel, the car accident attorneys at The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm are here to help you seek justice and financial recovery.
For more information, please contact our experienced Car Accidents attorneys at The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free consultation today. We have two convenient locations in Manassas, VA and Fairfax, VA.
The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm Manassas
9208 Lee Ave, First Floor, Manassas, VA, 20110
(571) 229-1800
Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Manassas
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The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm Fairfax
4000 Legato Rd #1100, Fairfax, VA, 22033
(571) 200-5424
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Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Fairfax
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