Recently, Southwest Airlines Flight 2504 landed safely at Midway International Airport after the flight crew performed a go-around to prevent a potential collision with a smaller Flexjet plane.
It was the latest in a string of highly-publicized “near misses” that continue to raise concerns about air travel safety following the January 29 deadly midair crash outside Washington National Airport when 67 people were killed.
The Federal Aviation Administration has revealed a surprisingly high occurrence of so-called “runway incursions.” In the 12 months ended May 31, 2024, the total number of runway incursions reached 1,115. Already this year, there were 63 incidents in January and 31 in February.
Yet, experts stress that flying in the U.S. is by far the safest form of travel. Arnold Barnett, a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management, said the risk of dying on a flight is close to zero. The high-profile accidents and incidents of late are a coincidence, he said.
For passengers who have safety concerns, experts offer these tips. Wear your seatbelt at all times. Listen to safety briefings delivered by flight attendants. Sit over the middle of the wing in case of turbulence. Place your small child in an approved car seat instead of holding them on your lap.
If you should be injured in an airplane accident, do not fall for offers from the carrier to settle your case. Their insurance companies will try to negotiate the lowest possible settlement. You deserve better. No matter where you are in the legal process, lawyers at Smith LaCien LLP will act as your strongest possible advocate every step of the way at no cost to you unless we win. For more information about our aviation practice, click here.
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