How Safe is Public Transportation?

Public transportation is a great method of decreasingSafety Measures and Regulations
pollution and traffic within an urban setting. ItOccasionally stories of tragic public transportation
provides those without a vehicle the opportunity toaccidents are released throughout the media. When
travel long distances in a time and cost effectivethis occurs it is natural to question the safety of
manner.utilizing public transportation. When the driving itself is
However, as with any public setting, it is important toout of your control, it is important to know what
remain aware and take safety precautions to avoidmeasures and regulations are put into place to ensure
any displeasing situations.of your safety.
Tips for Staying Safe on the bus, train or subwayoOne of the greatest concerns for public
Report any suspicious behavior, unusual activities ortransportation safety is the lack of safety belts
out of place conducto Report any broken or missingonboard. While collisions involving busses or trains is
equipmento Report any strange noises or odorso Ifnot common, when they do occur they are highly
you see an unattended package, do not touch it,dangerous due to the lack of restraints. Passengers
instead immediately report it to the nearesthave the potential to be injured simply from being hit
employeeo Do not accept any packages orby another passenger.
suspicious materials from someone you do notCapable Drivers Make Safe Passengers
knowo Wash your hands often and avoid touchingWith hundreds of thousands of public bus passengers
your eyes, nose or mouth. This will decrease yourevery year, it is vital that the drivers of these
likelihood of getting sick or spreading germs.vehicles are trained and experienced enough to
While on public transportation the most importantmanage the many potential situations that can
safety precaution to take is simply being aware andhappen on the road. Bus and train drivers must meet
paying attention to your surroundings. By takingthe qualifications and standards set by their
these steps you can have a better and morerespective state. This mandatory training ensures
enjoyable experience while using the public bus, trainthat you are being put into qualified hands when using
or subway.public transportation.