This and the two linked articles really changed my perceptions about airline disasters. People tend to think that the safety lecture at the beginning of a fligh

This and the two linked articles really changed my perceptions about airline disasters. People tend to think that the safety lecture at the beginning of a flight is pointless, as you can't survive anyway. However, the article states that 80% of airplane accidents occur during takeoff or landing and most of these are survivable. Also, survival is not just a matter of luck, but often depends on your individual response to the situation. Most people tend to freeze up (not panic) in a crisis situation. If you know the emergency procedures and think in advance about what to do, you are more likely to overcome this instinct and act decisively.