3 Safety Tips to Help Prevent Bus Transit Accidents in Illinois

 Posted on July 09, 2020 in Personal Injury

Whether you reside in a bustling urban environment or a suburban, rural neighborhood, public and mass transit offers an array of benefits for daily commuting purposes, including decreasing your chances of car accidents and injuries. This is especially the case for those interested in eco-friendly commute options and for those who desire to avoid the expenses that come with owning and driving their own vehicle. As a more cost-effective and environmentally conscious option, commuting by public transit is reportedly 10 times safer than driving in your own car, according to reports from the National Safety Council’s (NSC) official Safety + Health magazine. All of these factors combined make commuting by bus or train an advantageous option, no matter where you live. However, there are factors that any public transportation passenger should know regarding the safety of riding in these types of vehicles.

Important Information for Public Transit Passengers

Despite such positive research statistics, however, bus and public transportation accidents still happen from time to time, which means no one is completely immune to injury on the roadway. While you cannot eliminate every chance of accident or injury, here are some tips to consider any time you step foot on a bus or train:

1. Buses must be regularly inspected, maintained, and repaired. Any bus you choose for travel is required to undergo regular inspections, to be properly maintained, and to be repaired as necessary, to ensure your safety and the safety of all passengers on board. If you notice cosmetic and other damages to the vehicle that might signal a need for repair or a safety issue, take note of what you witness. You have a right to file an official complaint if you feel that your safety is at risk.

2. Drivers must be properly licensed. Those individuals who operate a bus are required by law to be trained and licensed drivers with good safety records. If you board a bus and the driver appears fatigued, intoxicated, or driving erratically or recklessly, this is a major safety concern for all on board. Do not be afraid to call 911 or report the incident. The same goes for any situation where the driver refuses to stop when an obvious emergency is placing everyone in danger, such as a blown tire, fire or smoke on board, or swerving due to distracted, aggressive, or intoxicated behavior.

3. When in doubt, consult an attorney. Many times passengers of public transit experience or witness an incident while commuting that may have put them at potential risk of accident or injury and do not speak up. Any time you travel by bus or train and see something that concerns you, or you have been injured and are unsure of what to do after the incident, voice your concerns to a qualified attorney, who is equipped to guide you in any legal precautions you should take to protect your health and best interests.

Contact an Arlington Heights Personal Injury Lawyer

When you commute via public transit, you are putting your life in the hands of someone else and exposing yourself to the potential negligence of other drivers on the roadway. If you have been injured in a bus accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. Speak to a knowledgeable Palatine vehicle accident attorney to learn your legal options for seeking damages. Call Newland & Newland LLP today at 847-797-8000 to schedule a free one-on-one consultation.

Sources:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/passenger-safety/bus-passenger-safety-tips

https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/17905-public-transportation-is-10-times-safer-for-commuters-analysis-shows