5 Public Transportation Safety Tips For Seniors

Posted by: KHTS Articles in News Articles February 18, 2021 - 10:33 am 0 759 Views

Surrendering your car keys may be an inevitable part of the aging process. As vision, cognitive abilities, memory, and reaction times decline, many people find that driving themselves around is no longer a safe or comfortable experience. Fortunately, increasingly robust public transportation systems make it possible for seniors to continue getting from place to place, and at an affordable cost.

If you intend to start using local buses and trains to get to and from your medical and dental appointments, do your grocery shopping, or take care of other personal errands and social visits, it’s important to know how to do so safely. Following are five safety tips that all aging adults can use when riding public transportation.

1. Stay Alert

If you think you’re too tired to avoid dozing off during your bus ride, schedule your trip for another time. Falling asleep on the bus can leave you vulnerable to theft and other forms of assault.

Choose a seat close to the front of the bus where you can be easily seen by the driver. Front bus seats tend to have special accommodations for seniors and those with disabilities. In many areas, this seating is also specially reserved for those who actually need it.

2. Let the Driver Know if You Have Any Special Needs

A municipal bus driver’s job extends beyond simply getting passengers to and from their destinations safely. If you’re using a walker or a wheelchair, this professional should make sure that both you and your assistive device is secured before taking off. If you need access to specific seating, this is the person who can make sure that other passengers surrender it.

Bus drivers also have onboard communication systems that they can use to alert authorities of theft, assault, and other crimes. Making sure that they know you’re present, and informing them of special needs will ensure that they give you the time and attention you deserve [source]. This can include:

Using extendable steps
Engaging “kneeling bus” features
Adjusting the timing of auto-closing doors

3. Time Your Trips Wisely

Catching the bus at the right time can be a safe and enjoyable experience. This is usually during the middle of the day when buses aren’t filled from end to end with daily commuters and teens who use public transit to get to and from school. Riding during the busiest portions of the day could leave you with standing room only.

Even if you have something to hold onto, you may lose your balance if the bus makes any sudden or hard stops. Always travel when there’s plenty of available seats and when drivers have ample ability to be attentive to senior and disabled passengers.

4. Don’t Ignore Seemingly Minor Injury Events

Even short and seemingly minor falls can result in serious harm for seniors. If you’re riding the bus and fall due to a driver making a hard stop, ask for help right away.

You don’t have to be hit by a bus to sustain serious injuries. Falling as the result of aggressive driving, unnecessarily forceful braking, and other potentially dangerous maneuvers can leave you with:

Bruises
Contusions
Concussions
Broken bones

Even if you don’t feel hurt immediately after these events, there’s also the possibility of developing latent or delayed pain. When aggressive driving leads to a fall-related injury on the bus, connect with your attorney to learn more about your options for filing a claim. According to Rosenberg & Gluck Personal Injury Firm, delaying medical attention can also lead insurers to question the severity of your injuries.

5. Have Your Fare in Hand When the Bus Pulls Up

Fumbling around in your pockets or purse after you’ve already boarded the bus can leave you off-balance and ill-prepared for any driving maneuvers that are made. Always have your fare ready to insert into the toll box before boarding. This can also prevent prying eyes from seeing where you keep your money stashed, and it will limit the likelihood of you accidently dropping cash, credit cards, personal identification, or anything else that you keep stored in your wallet.

It’s also important to always have at least one hand free. Never carry shopping bags or other items in both hands. Even if you have a seat, you may find it necessary to grab a handrail to further steady yourself while the vehicle is in motion.

Moreover, you should always use rails to prevent balance-related falls when boarding or exiting the bus. If necessary, ask the driver to bring the bus closer to the curb before your exit. This is especially important to do if you’re traveling with a walker, cane, walking stick, or other assistive device.

Riding the bus is a convenient and economical way to continue getting around after you’ve surrendered your car keys. By timing your trips carefully and following these safety precautions, you can avoid injury and assault while on your errands. Engaging with bus drivers and being forthright about any special needs that you have will ensure that the necessary provisions are made for keeping you injury-free.