As we enter summertime in the United States, there’s no better time to schedule a vacation and explore new places. Taking a timely trip can reduce stress and allow you to enjoy quality time with loved ones and friends. Of course, one of the most important things to plan in advance is your method of transportation. Depending on how far you’re traveling, you may be able to choose between a range of options depending on pricing, time commitment, and overall safety. In this article, we discuss some of the pros and cons of different travel methods so you can get to your destination as easily as possible.
Traveling Via Plane
Flying can be a stressful experience for some people, particularly those prone to anxiety or airsickness. There are few things as unpleasant as fighting back waves of nausea and dizziness while in the air, so if you’re prone to airsickness it may be wise to seek alternate travel arrangements for short-distance trips. However, flying is incredibly safe in the 21st century.
The International Air Transportation Association (IATA) reported just five fatal accidents among 32.2 million flights in 2022.” The worst aviation accident of the year was the loss of a China Eastern Airlines Boeing 737-800 in March of 2022, which led to the loss of 132 lives in what may have been an intentional crash.
The odds of experiencing an airplane accident are incredibly low, and the chances of experiencing a deadly crash or incident are even lower. Traveling by plane is quick, convenient, and efficient. If you’re traveling across the U.S. or to an entirely new country, flying can save you days of travel time that would otherwise be spent in a car, bus, train, or boat.
Before scheduling your flight, you should review your chosen airline’s track record. Have they experienced an unprecedented amount of delayed or canceled flights recently? How good is their safety record? What is the airline’s policy for rescheduling or canceling a flight in an emergency? It’s also worth noting that regions experiencing war, civil unrest, or instability may not be safe for civilian flights. Although rare, instances of civilian flights being shot down by armed forces have occurred.
Taking a Train
As the territory of the U.S. rapidly expanded during the young nation’s early years, trains became one of the most widespread transportation methods in the country. Railroad lines ran from coast to coast, allowing people to visit family members in other states or explore new areas. For those seeking a more affordable means of reaching a destination within the U.S. than flying, a train may be the perfect travel option.
Although a train will take significantly longer to reach your destination than an airplane, it offers a convenient and safe travel experience. You won’t have to do any of the driving yourself, allowing you to rest and avoid becoming fatigued before you even arrive at your destination. Trains tend to be more comfortable than airplanes, which typically have fairly tight seating arrangements. You will likely be able to access wifi, eat a decent meal, and even sleep if you desire to do so.
While more train-related accidents did occur than aviation incidents in 2022, the odds of experiencing a train collision or derailment are still quite low. In 2022, there were 2,193 highway-rail grade crossing collisions reported, resulting in 276 deaths and 803 injuries. Railroad accidents of all types have declined significantly over recent years, with a reported 44% decline since 2000. The leading cause of derailments is human error, with track defects being the next highest cause of such incidents.
Taking a Roadtrip in Your Car
When comparing the number of occupant injuries and deaths for planes, trains, and automobiles, it is evident that driving is the most dangerous of the three travel options. Driving requires a high level of care and attention, and a long roadtrip can exhaust even the most cautious of drivers. However, it may make perfect sense to drive to a nearby hotel or an area that isn’t very accessible to planes or trains, such as a ski resort in the mountains.
Driving can be an affordable alternative to buying a plane ticket or traveling by train, even with the rising costs of gasoline over recent years. It may take longer to reach your destination, particularly if you are traveling through multiple states. As a general rule, it’s recommended to drive no more than 8.5 hours per day to minimize the dangers of fatigue. If there are multiple travelers in your car, it’s possible to switch drivers regularly, as long as everyone is able to sleep and rest when they aren’t behind the wheel.
Driving can be particularly dangerous due to the negligence of other motorists, even when you’re just going for a cruise around your hometown or commuting to work. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that approximately 42,795 people died in car crashes in 2022. This number, while quite large, would actually be a decrease in traffic-related fatalities from 2021. If you do decide to travel via car, be sure to stay aware of your surroundings, review traffic laws in the states you’ll be driving through, and practice defensive driving at all times.
Staying Safe on Future Travels
Whatever form of transportation you decide to use on your next trip, you should be certain to carefully review your travel options before making your final arrangements. Analyzing all of the available options can help you save money and get to your destination in one piece. We hope that this article helps you enjoy safe, stress-free travels throughout the rest of the year!
