(NewsNation) — In the wake of recent plane crashes in North America, America’s confidence in air travel and the federal agencies tasked with maintaining air safety has declined since last year.
A new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll reveals that 64% of U.S. adults say plane travel is “very safe” or “somewhat safe.” It’s down from 71% last year.
It follows Monday’s Delta Air Lines plane crash in Toronto, the fourth major aviation disaster in North America in the last month.
“Over evolution, that is accident investigation, the structure of aircraft have been designed for crash survivability,” Greg Feith, a former NTSB air safety investigator, said Tuesday on NewsNation’s “CUOMO.”
Here’s a look at how to prepare for flight safety:
Clothing matters
Like pilots and flight attendants, Feith urges passengers to create a safety checklist to help increase their survivability in a plane accident, emphasizing the importance of clothing.
He advises passengers to wear cotton, non-flammable, long sleeves, pants, and sneakers suitable for running.
Choosing your seat
While many think the back of the plane is safer, Feith said it’s not always the case.
He suggests that sitting near an exit row and counting the rows to the exit is key, especially if it’s dark and the emergency lights are off during an emergency. In the dark, use touch to find your nearest exit, whether ahead or behind.
Additionally, he said that plane seats can be used as an escape path in the incident that an exit or aisle is blocked.
Bracing for impact
Feith added that the seats were designed to break forward, stressing minimal movement during an impact. To brace for impact, avoid flailing limbs, don’t hunch over, and use the seat in front of you to steady yourself.
“Put your head up against the seat in front of you so that you minimize your movement during the impact sequence. That seat will break forward to absorb that initial impact force to enhance your survivability,” he explained.
Strategize your exit
Feith urges passengers to know your plane’s exit routes. Review the safety card, so you are prepared to operate the emergency doors under stress.
In case of evacuation, leave your baggage behind, avoid crawling, and move at least 500 feet from the plane.