Expert: Roberto Gomes - 3/1/2008

Question
I was wondering would you please explain to me: why whenever I hear about
a plain crash, I just don't want to go on plains any more, but, it's a different
story to trains?

(P.S   Just to let you know, i like traveling on trains)

Thanks
C Barwick

Answer
Dear Cameron,

I believe that it is because of the magnitude of the consequences of a plane crash most people feel uncomfortable in an airplane, not because of the probability. The fact that a plane crash almost always has fatal consequences and that there are, if lucky, only a few survivors, makes the event of a plane crash so intimidating. Big accidents in general get a lot of attention in the media and debates; this also makes the situation worse. With this in mind of course, the magnitude of the consequence of a plane crash is far greater than the consequence of a car-train crash. Even though the probability of a plane crash is smaller, all of this contributes to the fact that the risk of plane crashes often is overrated. If all car-train accidents were to happen on the same time, it would definitely change the general opinion of plane versus car-train crash risks.

Best Regards,
R. Gomes