The findings from a 1970 study by the Civil Aeromedical Institute reveal an interesting truth about survival rates in airplane crashes. According to the research, gender played a significant role, with adult males being the most likely group to survive emergencies. This tendency appears to stem from the behavior of men during evacuations, as they often prioritize their escape, potentially at the expense of others.
This study indicates that being male, along with being close to an exit, are critical factors influencing survival during such chaotic situations. The implication is that men may engage in more aggressive behaviors to ensure their own safety, which raises questions about social dynamics in life-and-death scenarios as elaborated by Mary Roach in her book, "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers."