Plane Crashes vs. Road Violence
- Alon Golan
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
As we continue our work to make our streets safer for biking and walking, I wanted to share some thoughts on a recent event and how it highlights a critical issue we face: the disparity in how we perceive and address different forms of transportation-related deaths.
The recent tragic mid-air collision in D.C. involving a plane and a helicopter is, understandably, a major news story. These kinds of events, thankfully rare, capture our attention and prompt widespread discussion about aviation safety. However, this intense focus contrasts sharply with the relative lack of attention given to the daily carnage on our roads. While the plane crash is a terrible tragedy, it's important to remember that on average, over 100 people die every single day in car crashes in the US. Yet, these daily tragedies rarely make national headlines.
This discrepancy in attention is further compounded by the language we use. We often refer to car collisions as "accidents," a term that implies they are unavoidable and unpredictable. This minimizes the fact that the vast majority of these events are preventable, caused by factors like distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and poorly designed infrastructure. We should be using terms like "crash" or "collision" which are more accurate and avoid implying inevitability. Just as we wouldn't call a plane crash an "accident," we shouldn't use that term for car crashes.
Looking at the numbers, the difference is staggering. Over the past 20 years, commercial aviation in the US has seen a significant improvement in safety, with remarkably few fatal crashes, while car crashes have only proven more fatal. In fact, major airlines had zero fatalities over the past decade, until the recent D.C.collision. During the same period, there have been over 30,000 car crash fatalities annually. The NTSB meticulously investigates every plane crash, seeking to understand the root causes and implement preventative measures. We need the same level of scrutiny and urgency applied to the epidemic of road deaths.
The response to the D.C. crash involves a thorough review of helicopter traffic patterns and regulations, and this review’s insights are closely followed by the media. This is a necessary step. However, where is the same level of urgency and publicity when it comes to addressing the root causes of road violence? Instead of focusing on solutions that prioritize safety, we see a constant push from car manufacturers to sell larger, faster, and more dangerous vehicles. Our infrastructure often prioritizes the flow of car traffic over the safety of road users. These factors contribute significantly to the dangers on our streets, yet they are rarely addressed with the same intensity as aviation safety concerns.
We need to shift the narrative. We need to demand that our communities prioritize the safety of all road users. We need to advocate for safer street designs, lower speed limits, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws. We need to hold car manufacturers accountable for the dangers their vehicles pose to pedestrians and cyclists.
The plane crash in D.C. is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety. Let's use this moment to amplify our voices and demand that the same level of concern and action be applied to the daily tragedy unfolding on our streets. Let's work together to create safer communities for everyone.
About the Author
Alon Golan is on the Board of Sunnyvale Safe Streets. He strongly believes in making the streets safe for all modes of transportation. In his spare time, he likes to think about how to fix the transportation problem in the US.
