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Sultan Kiani
Public transport is considered a greener and more affordable commuting option. While city transit buses and light railways are generally considered safer modes of transportation, unexpected accidents can still occur in an instant.
A 4-year-old child was tragically killed after being run over by a metro bus in Rawalpindi. This unfortunate and bizarre accident occurred on November 15, 2024, when the young commuter, traveling with his family, was disembarking at the Liaquat Bagh station of the Pakistan Metro Bus System. The victim reportedly fell into the gap and landed on the track, where he was crushed to death by the moving bus. Following these safety tips can help minimize such common hazards and ensure safe and secure commutes.
Managing Safety Hazards at Metro Stations:
Malfunctioning machines, slippery floors, and germs are well-known safety hazards at public transit stations.
Wear appropriate clothes and shoes. Be careful when stepping onto an escalator or entering/exiting an elevator. Loose clothing can lead to entanglement, resulting in severe injury from being caught in these machines.
Never attempt to stop a closing elevator door by inserting your hand or any object. A sensor malfunction might fail to prevent the door from closing, which could result in a serious accident. To stay safe, always use the elevator control buttons to stop a closing door.
Pay attention to the warning signs; watch out for wet floors and maintenance works. Do not enter prohibited zones e.g. construction/repair work areas and out of service elevators and escalators.
Wearing a face mask is recommended in crowded public spaces particularly if you are unwell or have compromised immunity.
Avoid eating or drinking anything at crowded stations.
Make sure to wash your hands with soap or use sanitizer after using public transport and before eating something to get rid of germs.
Individuals accompanying young children should exercise extreme caution when using public transport to ensure their safety.
Patiently wait for your ride forming a queue, and follow the metro staff instructions for your safety.
Boarding & Disembarking the Ride:
When your bus (or train) arrives, always allow passengers to disembark first to ensure a smooth and orderly boarding.
Watch your step and mind the gap between the bus and the platform for your safety.
Do not lean on the doors; if you need to stand in the bus aisle, always hold onto the grab handle or hook.
Avoid boarding an overcrowded bus or train. If possible, wait for the next one to ensure a safer and more comfortable journey.
Take care of your belongings. If something falls onto the platform, do not attempt to retrieve it by yourself; instead, seek assistance from the metro staff.
If somebody falls onto the track or their life is at risk, immediately shout for help to alert the driver and/or staff members.
Be Emergency Ready!
In August 2022, a metro bus caught fire in Rawalpindi, forcing passengers to evacuate. Luckily, everyone managed to escape unharmed, averting a tragedy. Although such accidents are rare, it’s important to remain alert and be well-prepared to maximize your chances of survival in case of a mishap.
Familiarize yourself with the locations and directions of emergency exits at the bus station.
There is a helpline number displayed in most of the elevators in Rawalpindi-Islamabad metro stations to report breakdown. However, if you get stuck in a metro station elevator, it is safe to call Rescue 1122 other than seeking help from the station maintenance department to ensure timely rescue.
You should also remember the positions of emergency exit doors and know how to open them in case of an emergency. Regular bus doors can also be opened by pressing the emergency buttons located next to each door.
Most city buses are equipped with hammers near each row, allowing passengers to break the windows for emergency evacuation. Use one if you can’t escape in any other way.
Emergency doors or window-breaking hammers should only be used in real emergency situations. Misusing any emergency exit feature may result in legal consequences.
Personal Security:
Criminals can be present anywhere, including within public transit. Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities or metro station/bus staff to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Here are some tips for dealing with security threats while using public transportation:
Know the timings of your bus route to avoid unnecessary long waits at bus stops, especially when catching a bus from an isolated or deserted area.
Be cautious of pickpockets and scammers. Keep your valuables and cash secure and avoid displaying expensive jewelry and electronic gadgets in public.
Keep small amounts of cash in hand to pay the bus fare so you don’t have to take out your wallet.
Avoid disclosing personal or sensitive information (such as bank card numbers or date of birth etc.) while talking to a companion or on the phone when you're on public transport
If you need to take a cab after the bus ride, booking your ride online before reaching the stop or station can save you time and minimize the risk of getting robbed while waiting for the cab.
If you believe you're being followed by a stranger, move to a safe place and seek help if possible and necessary.
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