Washington (Pakistan News Online) Stories of survivors of recent air crashes often raise the question of whether the location of the plane’s seats plays a role in the lives and deaths of passengers.
The popular theory is that seats in the back of the plane are relatively safe, but according to experts, this is not true in every accident.
According to a study, the death rate of those sitting in seats in the back third of the plane in US air crashes between 1985 and 2000 was 32 percent, while the middle third was 39 percent and the front third was 38 percent.
The safest seats were the middle seats in the back of the plane, where the death rate was 28 percent. Aviation experts such as Dr. Hassan Shahidi and Cheng Ling Wu say that these figures can change depending on the nature and circumstances of the accident. Every accident is different and no specific seat can be guaranteed to be safe.
CNN reports that according to aviation safety expert Ed Galea’s research, the most important factor in evacuation after an accident is how close you are to the emergency exit.
He says that seats within five rows of the emergency exit are considered the safest. Aisle seats are safer than middle and window seats because they are easier to evacuate from.
What should passengers do to avoid accidents? In this regard, experts give passengers some important instructions:
Always read the emergency evacuation instructions carefully and listen to the crew’s briefing.
Understand the use of your seat belt and keep it fastened at all times during the flight. Memorize the rows to reach the emergency evacuation exit so that you can find your way in smoke or low light.
Keep your shoes on during the flight and prioritize saving your life instead of relying on your nearby belongings during landing.
Experts say that modern planes are designed to withstand shocks of up to 16 G, and in most accidents, 90 percent of people have the ability to survive. However, it is imperative to be quick during evacuation and follow the instructions of the crew.
Aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas says that passengers should leave their luggage and focus on evacuation immediately. “Your life depends on how quickly you get out.”
Therefore, for a safe journey, it is important that passengers choose their seats thoughtfully, follow the instructions of the crew and make quick and correct decisions in the event of an accident.