Is it better to take a train or a plane?

Train vs. Plane: A Comprehensive Safety Analysis

When traveling long distances, individuals often face the choice between taking a train or a plane. Both modes of transportation have their advantages and disadvantages, but safety should be a primary consideration. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the safety records of trains and planes to help you make an informed decision.

Fatality Rates per Mile

In terms of fatality rates per mile traveled, airplanes have a clear advantage. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the average fatality rate for commercial airline flights in the United States from 2010 to 2020 was 0.06 fatalities per 100 million passenger miles. This means that for every 100 million miles flown by commercial airlines, there were only about 0.6 fatalities.

In contrast, the fatality rate for train accidents in the United States during the same period was 0.12 fatalities per 100 million passenger miles. While this is still a very low rate, it is twice as high as the rate for airplanes.

Safety per Trip

However, when considering safety per trip, the situation changes. The NTSB reports that the average number of fatal train accidents per 1,000 passenger trains in the United States from 2010 to 2020 was 0.02. This means that for every 1,000 train trips, there were only about 0.02 fatal accidents.

In comparison, the average number of fatal airline accidents per 1,000 passenger flights in the United States during the same period was 0.007. While this is still a very low rate, it is about three times higher than the rate for trains.

Comparison to Other Modes of Transportation

Regardless of whether you measure safety by fatality rate per mile or safety per trip, both trains and airplanes are significantly safer than buses or cars. According to the NTSB, the average fatality rate for buses in the United States from 2010 to 2020 was 0.48 fatalities per 100 million passenger miles, while the average fatality rate for cars was 1.10 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles.

Conclusion

Based on this analysis, airplanes have a lower fatality rate per mile traveled than trains. However, trains offer significantly higher safety per trip. Both modes of transportation are remarkably safer than buses or cars, regardless of the metric used. Ultimately, the choice between taking a train or a plane depends on the specific circumstances of your trip and your personal preferences when it comes to safety, comfort, and convenience.