Recent events have brought aviation safety to the forefront of national discussions. In recent weeks, a series of plane crashes has shaken public confidence in air travel. Beginning with a tragic mid-air collision that resulted in 67 fatalities over Washington D.C., followed by two more incidents claiming 16 lives, and another crash in Toronto injuring 18 passengers, these accidents have raised serious concerns about the structural integrity of the aviation industry. The aftermath of each incident has seen experts scrambling to identify underlying causes, while advocates and policymakers call for greater accountability from decision-makers who bear responsibility for ensuring passenger safety.

The disparity between how society treats aviation and automotive accidents is striking. While plane crashes elicit immediate outrage and demand for systemic changes, car crashes, which claim far more lives annually, often receive less attention. For instance, advocacy groups like Transportation for America have highlighted the staggering toll of pedestrian deaths, equating it to multiple commercial airline disasters occurring monthly. This comparison underscores the differing standards applied to transportation safety. Despite fewer Americans flying compared to driving, the number of fatalities in car crashes dwarfs those in aviation, especially considering the stringent safety measures in place for air travel. European nations, with significantly lower car crash death rates, serve as a stark contrast, challenging the notion that higher fatality numbers are inevitable in the U.S.

The expectation for absolute safety in aviation reflects broader societal values. Historically, the U.S. has prioritized robust federal oversight to prevent any loss of life in the skies. However, recent political actions, such as unsubstantiated claims linking crashes to hiring practices and mass layoffs at the Federal Aviation Administration, have eroded public trust. These moves undermine the very systems designed to protect travelers, raising fears that even one of the safest transportation sectors could become vulnerable. As leaders politicize transportation tragedies and shift blame onto individuals rather than systemic issues, the integrity of safety nets is compromised. Vision Zero advocates recognize the need for stronger local and state-level protections, along with innovative data collection methods, to address gaps left by federal policy. Ultimately, building safe systems requires acknowledging the complex power structures responsible for maintaining them and holding accountable those who fail to uphold these standards.