Here is the secret to surviving one of these crashes: Be male. In a 1970 Civil Aeromedical Institute study of three crashes involving emergency evacuations, the most prominent factor influencing survival was gender {followed closely by proximity to exit}. Adult males were by far the most likely to get out alive. Why? Presumably because they pushed everyone else out of the way.
In her book "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers," Mary Roach discusses a study conducted by the Civil Aeromedical Institute in 1970, which examined three airplane crashes with emergency evacuations. The study revealed that the survival rate was significantly affected by gender, with adult males having a higher likelihood of escaping unscathed. This suggests that males may engage in more aggressive behaviors during crises, such as pushing others aside to reach exits first.
This finding highlights how social dynamics can impact survival in emergencies, as men’s tendency to prioritize their own escape may lead to a greater chance of survival compared to others. The lesson here is not just about individual survival but also reflects on human behavior in panic situations where exit strategy becomes vital.
