The Influence of the Media on Perception of Risk Associated with Flying

Fear of flying is common. Epidemiological studies (Agras, Sylvester and Oliveau, 1969) indicate that approximately 20 per cent of the adult population have a fear of flying, making this one of the most common fears. That fear of flying is so common seems a paradox given the safety record of commercial aviation. In Australia there has not been a fatality on commercial jet aircraft and this safety record stretches over 25 years. To put this figure into perspective, in that same time period over 50,000 people have been killed on Australian roads (McLean, 1997). Yet despite these figures, fear of flying is widespread, whereas there is relatively little apprehension about the dangers associated with road travel.