Plane crashes, especially the visual aspect, with burning, charred fuselage, make people extremely uncomfortable about flying, an understandable reaction, but according to CNN, there are many things you can do as a passenger to increase your chances of survival if the unlikely, yet unfortunate circumstance occurs.
Planes are safer than they used to be, with improved structural integrity making them stay together better if an unexpected impact occurs. In 2012, 23 fatal airline crashes killed 511 people, a statistic well below the 10-year average of 34 incidents that killed 773 people per year, according to statistics from the Aviation Safety Network.
The most important thing to do is stay calm. Panic muddles thinking, and a clear head is essential.
Listen to the preflight safety instructions and have a plan ready for the worst-case scenario. Look at the location of the exits, and if you're in an exit row, read the exit door instructions. If anything is unclear, ask a flight attendant for assistance in understanding the instructions.
Wear practical clothes on a flight. Don't wear high heels because they must be removed before evacuating a plane via the emergency slide. Wear breathable materials that can keep you warm.
Remember to be aware of the seat belt instructions during the flight.
"It has been found that people who have survived emergency landings frantically search for where they expect the seat belt to fasten [on the hip as in a car]," Andy Clubb, a safety course director for British Airways, told CNN. "You often find bruising and cuts in that area."
Follow the instructions for the inflatable safety jacket. Check its location, usually under the seat, and wait until exiting the plane to inflate the jacket in an emergency situation.
Be prepared to jump out of the aircraft in as quickly and organized a fashion as possible. The exit will be done via a slide where you will be instructed to jump feet-first with your arms folded across your chest while leaning forward. Clubb warns that if you hesitate to jump, a cabin crewmember will likely push you so as to not endanger you or any other passengers on board the aircraft.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
