We all know that flying is one of the safest modes of transportation. This fact is further supported by statistics showing the continued increase in airline traffic every single year. But while riding in airplanes is safer, there are still inherent and unique dangers to passengers. Here are a few important details to keep in mind to make sure your odds of surviving are high just in case the plane you're flying in gets into trouble.
- Choose seats. Whenever you are booking a flight, always choose seats close to the exit points. You may want to consider getting a seat at the far back of the passenger cabin. This is because studies show that passengers sitting at the back of the plane have a greater chance of surviving an impact than those who are seated in the front rows.
- Wear clothes suitable for traveling in airplanes. The correct set of clothes could greatly affect your survival during emergency situations. This is why wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sturdy shoes are important so that you can navigate around the plane wreckage without much difficulty. Avoid dressing yourself in elaborate and baggy articles of clothing as these can get snagged in the rubbles during escape. The more you are adequately covered, the less likely you'll suffer from burns. Furthermore, do not don synthetic fabric as this can easily catch fire and could melt your skin. It would also be a smart idea to keep a lightweight but well-insulated jacket with you in the passenger cabin if you'll be traveling through chilly areas.
- Count the rows. When boarding, remember to count the rows between the exit and your seat assignment. This way, you'll be able to properly calculate the way to the exit in case the cabin is filled up with too much smoke causing visibility problems.
- Pay attention. Frequent fliers tend to disregard the pre-flight safety demonstrations. Do not make this mistake. It doesn't hurt to be reminded once in a while of the things one needs to do in case of emergency situations. Furthermore, go over the safety manual for additional pre and post-crash guidelines.
- Do not drink and fly. While it can be tempting to down some before and during your flight, bear in mind that it's always good to have a clear head when flying.
Bear in mind that panicking during dire situations such as an emergency plane landing almost always guarantees catastrophic results. Keeping a calm disposition helps you think fast and can greatly increase your odds of surviving an unfortunate crash.
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