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However as disturbing as this is when considering individual cases, it is also true that flying overall has become orders of magnitude safer, coincident with the advance of automation.
Spot on. Commercial aviation accidents peaked in the 70s (although this includes a few terrorism incidents) and have declined, in line with technology, since.
In 1972, on average, one commercial airline crashed every week. In 2014, it was less than one a month. If you adjust for how much passenger journeys have increase during that period (x5+), the safety increase is incredible.
Stonehedge-
I think the scope for improvements in road safety are much greater than in aviation. In aviation, the automatics took over from professional, highly skilled and motivated humans who had been selected for their abilities and were regularly checked to ensure they remained competent.
With cars, they’ll be taking over from Bob who has had a couple of pints and was last assessed for his ability to drive a car four decades ago.
rodan
Direct precedents for this in aviation where pilots have become progressively deskilled by automation, and have on occasion failed dramatically when required to take over and demonstrate basic handling skills (see Air France 447).
However as disturbing as this is when considering individual cases, it is also true that flying overall has become orders of magnitude safer, coincident with the advance of automation.