Plane crashes have been rampant in recent years, and studies
show that about 90 percent of passengers do not follow the simple steps and
measures required to increase the chances of survival.
According to Flight experts, chances of survival during a
plane accident are very high compared to accidents resulting from other means
of transport, with 96% of air accident victims surviving.
The experts say that up to 1 out of 3 of all past air
accident deaths could have been prevented if the passengers had known what to
do ahead of time and had taken the proper steps during the emergency.
Most plane accidents that have been recorded indicate that
89% of passengers don’t read the safety cards in the seat-back pockets, 50% of
passengers don’t watch the pre-flight safety presentation.
Of all the plane crashes, 80% occur during takeoff and
landing.
Modern aircraft are designed to be evacuated of all
passengers within 90 seconds, thus increasing the chances of survival if the
following is observed.
Seats and seat belt
Choose your seats carefully and make sure that you fasten
your seat-belts accordingly.
Flight experts writes that the safest place to sit is in the
rear third of the plane, with the last row deemed the very safest because it’s
closest to the rear exit.
They add that while observing the 5 Row Rule, your chances
of surviving a plane crash are much greater if your seat is within five rows of
an exit. Plane crash survivors travel an
average of five rows to reach an exit after a crash. Those traveling farther than five rows to an
exit had a significantly higher fatality rate.
Studies also shows that the middle seats in the rear third
of the plane are the safest overall.
“While it’s important to wear your seat belt whenever you’re
seated during your flight, it’s equally important to take a few minutes to
familiarize yourself with its operation, by sight and by touch, so that in the
event of an emergency, you’ll be able to release the belt, even if the cabin is
dark,” writes the flight experts.
Dressing
Chose an appropriate dress while traveling with a plane. Wear a long-sleeve shirt (shirts without
buttons are best) and long pants. Wear flame-resistant clothing if possible.
Cotton is less flammable while nylon, polyester and acrylic
melt at low temperatures. Avoid wearing shorts, dresses, skirts, or loose
fitting, flowing clothing
Wool is the best material-made cloth to wear while flying
over water but becomes wet and heavy while in water.
Do not wear sandals, high heels, or slip-on shoes, but
comfortable lace-up shoes with good soles and traction for easy escape.
Safety Presentation
and Seat-Back Card
Read and understand the safety precautions provided in the
aircraft.
Get used to reading these precautions from every aircraft
you board as different planes have different safety features and procedures.
The Plus Three, Minus
Eight Rule
The name of the plus three, minus eight rule refers to the
fact that eighty percent of all plane crashes occur during takeoff and landing
– the first three minutes and final eight minutes of the flight,
respectively.
Remain aware and alert during this time – don’t read or
otherwise distract yourself. Be ready,
if necessary, to execute your plan. Another recommendation from the experts: have your shoes on during this
time, just in case.
Source: The Flight Experts
