Public Transportation & Your Health

Over and over again, studies of transportationnot crossing between train cars and keeping your
safety have determined that public transportationbelongings close to you at all times. In the
systems are safer than driving. In particular, railsometimes-close confines of buses and train cars,
systems like the Chicago 'L' and New York'sexperienced pickpockets have an easy time of
subway system are considered the safest wayremoving unsecured wallets and purses. For this
of commuting and getting around. Despite theirreason, the CTA encourages passengers to keep
impressive safety records, when things do gotheir wallets in a front trousers pocket or coat
wrong with trains and other transit, the negativepocket.
consequences can be great.In addition, the CTA also encourages passengers
Many of the accidents that occur on the 'L' arewho have witnessed or been the victim of a
the result of train operators overriding automaticcrime to write down as many details of the
stops. For whatever reason, these errors on theincident as possible. The more information you can
part of operators have led to serious accidents.give the police, the better their chances of
There were two accidents on the 'L' in 2008 dueapprehending the criminal. For the same reason,
to operator error, although fortunately neithernever wait to report an incident. By following
was severe. Nonetheless, operator negligence withthese guidelines, you can help ensure safety for
a train can lead to many fatalities.you and other passengers on the 'L' and other
Negligent operators are not the only risk. It is farpublic transportation systems.
more common for passengers on the 'L' to beDespite the relative safety of public
injured by fellow passengers, for example bytransportation, operator negligence and inadequate
mugging. In response to these and other threats,security can lead to serious injuries. If you or
the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) initiated asomeone you love have been injured as a result
program called "if you see something, sayof negligence or improper maintenance on a public
something" to encourage passengers to reporttransportation system, the experienced Chicago
suspicious behavior.personal injury lawyers of Friedman &
The CTA also put together a number ofBonebrake, PC can help you. Contact them today
guidelines for passenger safety. Theirfor more information!
recommendations include useful, everyday tips like