Living in a big city often means relying on public transportation, particularly buses, as the primary means to commute to work and back. However, as a bus rider, you must stay vigilant because potential hazards may lurk within each journey.
Here are five ways you could get hurt while riding city buses and some strategies to avoid these unforeseen situations.
1. Slip and fall accidents
Slip and fall incidents happen when passengers enter or exit the bus or navigate its interior while it is in motion. While you cannot control the inadvertent messes caused by others, such as from wet shoes and spilled drinks, you can take charge of your safety by watching your footing.
2. Sudden stops and sharp turns
To navigate stop-and-go urban traffic, bus drivers often execute abrupt stops and sharp turns along their routes. Passengers who do not secure themselves by either occupying a seat or grasping stable handholds risk losing their balance. Maintaining an upright stance is key, along with a keen awareness of the changing flow of traffic outside.
3. Door-related injuries
The automated doors of city buses, operating at unpredictable intervals, can ensnare passengers’ attire or belongings, leading to cuts or bruises. Maintaining awareness of doors during boarding and disembarking is necessary to prevent such injuries. Before they close, be sure you and any items you carry are clear of their path.
4. Collisions
In the United States, from 2007 to 2020, approximately one out of every seven deaths that was avoidable resulted from motorized vehicle collisions. Although bus travel is generally safer compared to using a personal car or taking a taxi, it does not entirely eliminate the risk of accidents. To reduce the chance of serious injuries during a collision, it is important to remain seated and make use of any available seatbelts.
5. Overcrowding and jostling
During peak hours, city buses often experience overcrowding, requiring passengers to endure closer quarters than they would prefer. This condensed environment may lead to physical jostling, culminating in accidental collisions and potential falls. To safeguard against such occurrences, keep your center of gravity low and your situational awareness high.
Whatever mode of transportation you choose, knowing the risks that face you as you navigate the city is always the first step in keeping safe. It also pays to acknowledge what standard safety measures are in place so that you can recognize negligence on the part of a bus driver or transportation authority.