You went out for the evening with friends, had a few drinks and a good time. Now, you’re waiting for the subway to take you home — but are you safe?
Considering the daily volume of riders on the New York City subway system who experience no problems, the chances of an accident happening are rather low. Still, if you are the unfortunate victim of a subway accident, that is of little consolation.
Learn how you can be a safer rider with the below tips.
Be alert to train traffic
Where there are tracks, there are trains, and they travel in both directions. Don’t get so lost in thought or involved with your phone that you drop your guard around the subway tracks.
Never stand at the edges of subway platforms, and if you are the parent of a child, insist that they hold your hand while awaiting the train’s arrival.
Don’t lean over the edge to check for incoming trains. One could be headed your way from the other direction.
Don’t attempt to board or disembark until the train has fully stopped. Remember there is a gap between the platform and the door of the train that you must safely navigate.
Don’t look like a victim
The biggest subway threat is often not the trains but those who prey on the riders. If you are riding alone late at night, you must take special precautions to avoid becoming a victim.
The following tips might save your life:
- Follow your instincts. If something or someone figuratively or literally raises the hackles on the back of your neck, avoid that person, even if it means leaving the area and catching another train later.
- Don’t wear headphones or earbuds. This clearly indicates that you are not tuned in to your surroundings and marks you as an easy victim.
- Don’t flash valuables or cash. If you know that you will be riding the subway late at night, leave the diamond earrings safely at home and carry a minimum of cash on your person.
If you get injured while riding the subway, it may be possible to recover financial compensation for your injuries and other losses.
