Public transportation services, such as buses, are one of the common ways for people to travel around. Residents and tourists alike will often utilize buses and other public transport systems in an area, but it is important that measures are in place to ensure people are safe while using these services. When accidents happen, there are often legal implications, and at worst, people can be killed or seriously injured.
Here are some of the strategies you can consider to ensure passenger safety and avoid bus accidents.
Allow Enough Time for the Bus Route
If a driver is feeling rushed or stressed while driving the bus, the likelihood of accidents happening may increase. When scheduling bus timetables and routes, ensure that there is enough time to complete the route, even if the traffic is heavier than usual. You should take into consideration delays that may occur on routes where there are higher numbers of tourists or during peak hours of the day when there are likely to be more service users. Rushing could cause accidents that lead to serious injuries like back injuries and spinal injuries.
Utilize Signs and Warnings
You might not be able to prevent all accidents from ever happening, but you can take precautions and communicate dangers and risks as effectively as possible. If there is a high step onto the bus or a low door that passengers should be aware of, make this as clear as possible from the start. Include signs and posters on the bus to educate people about passenger safety and help avoid serious injuries as well as slips and falls. Such measures may include instructing passengers to sit down while the bus is moving or avoid moving around the vehicle in between stops.
Improve Customer Service
Improving customer service can help you to ensure that passengers stay safe in a variety of ways. For example, take time to improve the interior of the bus so that passengers can sit securely while traveling. Offer a customer service phone line that passengers can call and get information and advice about the routes. This can help people to plan ahead and avoid busier times, thus taking some of the pressure off the bus drivers and helping to prevent accidents due to stress or delays.
Be Compliant
It is critical to maintain compliance with the relevant rules and regulations that apply to your bus service. This will not only help to prevent bus accidents from happening, but it will help to protect a company against unnecessary liabilities if anything unfortunate does occur. Pay particular attention to the regulations on making provisions for people with disabilities, ensuring that there is enough space on the bus and equipment such as wheelchairs can be secured adequately while the vehicle is moving.
If you have been involved in a bus accident and want to find out about the legal support and compensation that could be available to you, get in touch Cassisi Law Firm now. Find us at:
10208 101st Ave Ozone Park, NY 11416
Call now for a free consultation at (718) 441-5050.