Subway Platform Safety Tips

Standing on the platform waiting for the subway seems safe enough. But subway safety has recently come into focus after two people were pushed off the subway platforms to their deaths in two separate incidents. The MTA reports that, in 2012, 141 people were struck by trains and 55 were killed.

But there are some things you can do to stay safe. Here are some tips from the MTA to avoid a subway accident injury:

• Stay away from the edge. The MTA warns that standing on the yellow platform strip is dangerous. Don’t be tempted to stand on the edge and lean over to see if the train is coming because the train could be coming from either direction. Also, wait for the train to come to a complete stop before stepping forward.
• Stay off the tracks. Passengers should never go down on the tracks, which contain more than 600 volts of electricity. If you drop something on the tracks, do not go down onto the tracks to retrieve it. Instead, let a police officer or station personnel know, or use the customer assistance intercom.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you know who is beside you and behind you. Also, if you see someone who is at risk, get help from a police officer or station personnel or use the customer assistance intercom.
• Walk, don’t run. It may seem simple, but don’t run in the station or on the platform. This is an easy way to avoid tripping or running into another passenger.