Shanahan highlights the sobering reality of emergency evacuations in survivable crashes, emphasizing that often less than half of the emergency exits operate as intended. Panic and confusion during crises exacerbate the situation, leading to tragic outcomes, even when the crash isn't devastating. This phenomenon underscores the critical need for better exit accessibility and passenger preparedness in emergencies.

He provides a poignant example from a Delta Airlines crash in Dallas, which was deemed survivable with minimal traumatic injuries. However, many lives were lost due to the fire, as victims were found trapped and unable to escape through emergency exits that had failed to open. This incident illustrates the dire consequences of unpreparedness during aviation emergencies, as noted in Mary Roach's book "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers."