Travel Safety, Article 3

Rail, Bus and Ship Safety:

Much of the advice we gave in the section on airlines works pretty well for rail, bus and ship safety so we won't rehash that information. Instead, we will try to provide you with some information specific to the form of transportation you might be using.

Rail:
The TSA has primary security oversite of the nation's rail, bus and ship transportation. They have expended a huge amount of capital to improve and ensure the nation's rapid transit commuter and rail safety. For 2006 (the latest data available on their website), that amounted to about $110 million.


Source: http://tsa.dhs.gov


They have also conducted a number of studies, using emerging technology, for screening passengers and luggage for signs of explosives and chemicals. They are also involved in installing additional camera surveillance networks.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Safety Analysis, there were 14,232 rail accidents during 2004 (the latest numbers available) resulting in 898 deaths. Of that number, 368 deaths occurred as the result of motor vehicle or pedestrian accidents involving trains.1

Remember the old adage of Stop, Look and Listen that you learned as a child? It is still just as appropriate today.
  • Stop!
    • Do not walk in front of, between or behind the trains. Trains may be approaching on adjacent tracks.
    • Some commuter trains look the same on both ends. They do not have a front or back.
  • Look!
    • Always cross the tracks at designated pedestrian crossings, and only when it is safe to do so.
    • Always look both ways before crossing the tracks. Trains travel in both directions.
    • Always stay alert. Today's commuter trains can be quieter than a bus. You may not hear it coming.
    • Always look for and obey all warning devices: flashing lights, signals and crossing gates.
  • Listen!
    • Always listen for train horns, whistles and signal bells.
    • Always follow instructions from workers and police officers.
The following video demonstrates what happens when these three little rules are broken. Requires Quicktime. You can download the viewer free by clicking here.

Warning: Contains images that might be disturbing to some viewers

Turn on your sound before clicking on the video

Crossing railroad tracks safely

A gap always exists between the train and the platform to ensure the train can safely enter and exit the station. That gap can also be the source of accidents if you are not careful. The Long Island Railroad has developed a training video to "Watch the Gap". Click here. It's a good idea to "Watch the Gap" regardless of what transit system you are using.

Prohibited items can vary by transit system so it's a good idea to check with the one you will be using to ensure you are in compliance. However, you should considered the following items as standard since most transit authorities prohibit them:
  • firearms
  • ammunition
  • flammable materials
  • mace
  • knives
  • explosives
These items may be prohibited in or on mass transit vehicles and stations.

Always report suspicious activity or packages that have been left unattended. Never handle or move abandoned packages.

School Bus Safety:
Here's a fact we bet you didn't know. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, kids are nearly eight times safer riding in a school bus than in their parent's car. 2

We just thought you might like to know that.

Motorcoach Safety:
In April 2002, Carol Carmody, Vice Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board said, "In the past five years, more than 219,000 people were killed on our nation's highways. During that same time, there were 56 motorcoach occupant fatalities. Last year (2001), only three individuals were killed in motorcoach accidents. These are remarkable statistics -- especially considering that motorcoaches log an average of 28 billion passenger miles annually."

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for truck and bus safety. They set minimum safety standards that motorcoach companies must follow for the buses they operate and the physical qualifications and operating rules for their drivers. They offer the following information when choosing a motocoach carrier:

"WHAT SHOULD I ASK?

When speaking to motorcoach companies, you should ask about the factors listed here. Companies should always be willing to answer any questions you have about their safety practices.

QUALIFICATION OF DRIVERS

Under DOT regulations, carriers are required to ensure their drivers are fully qualified. Ask the carrier:

  • Will the driver hold a current Commercial Driver's License with a "passenger" endorsement ?
  • Will the driver hold a valid medical certificate ?
  • Does the company have a driver drug/alcohol testing program that complies with DOT regulations ?

LIMITATIONS ON DRIVING

There are limits on how long a driver may drive, basically not more than 10 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty. If planning a long trip, ask if it can be done within Federal hours-of-service limitations.

VEHICLE STANDARDS

At a minimum, buses are subject to periodic safety inspections. Verify that the buses have been inspected as required.

Carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all buses subject to their control. Additionally, many States have mandated motorcoach inspection programs. You may wish to speak to your State's regulatory agency responsible for passenger carriers. You should also consider asking the carrier what procedures are in place for roadside emergencies requiring repair or replacement of their motorcoaches.

SUBCONTRACTING AGREEMENTS

Passenger carriers occasionally use other carriers' equipment and drivers to perform their trips. Inquire as to whose bus will be used on your trip. All of the above conditions also apply to the contracted carrier. You may wish to make similar inquiries of the subcontracting company.

INSURANCE

When a vehicle has a seating capacity of more than 15 passengers including the driver, passenger carriers are required to have a minimum of $5 million public liability insurance. Ask for proof of financial responsibility.

OPERATING AUTHORITY

Ask for the carrier's USDOT identification number and its MC number. The MC number represents interstate operating authority issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Using the MC number, you may obtain insurance information about the carrier on the Internet at http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov. Using the U.S. DOT identification number, you may obtain safety information about the carrier on the Internet or by calling (703) 280-4001. If you have a regulatory question, please call (202) 366-6121.

This information is also available on the Internet at http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov ."

Prohibited items:
Greyhound has a list of prohibited items on their website in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section. Their policy says:

"Prohibited items include acids, ammunition, animals, combustible liquids, compressed gases, explosives, firearms of all types, fireworks, flammable liquids, furniture, hazardous materials (poisons, radioactive materials, etc.), materials with a disagreeable odor, matches, merchandise for resale, protruding articles, or any unsecured articles including those in plastic or paper bags. Electronic equipment (television, stereos, etc.), film (flammable), and perishable items (food) may be sent using Greyhound Package Xpress with appropriate packing. Items such as money and prescription medication may not be checked as baggage and are to be carried in the customer's possession..."

Be certain to check with the company you will be using. Prohibited items can vary by company.

Ship Safety:
According to the NTSB, cruise ships board about five (5) million passengers a year from U.S. ports. Ferryboats, most prominantly in New York City and Seattle, carry more than 270 passenger miles a year.3

If you plan to take a ferry or a cruise ship to another country, remember the The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will impose new rules in 2008. If you are traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), you may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. You can also expect longer delays for check in and passing through ship security. Check with your ship operator about how early you need to arrive.

If you are planning a cruise, here are some tips from Cruise Lines International Association about travel:
  • Consider purchasing trip/vacation cancellation and interruption insurance from your travel agent or cruise line.(NOTE: Don't forget to go through the "Exclusions and Limitations" sections before you purchase the policy. Make sure that you understand and are comfortable with exactly what's being offered, and what's excluded.)
  • Review your cruise documents in advance for important information, guidelines and tips.
  • Prior to leaving home, call the airline — or check their web site for flight arrival/departure information.
  • Be at the airport early — 2 hours or more unless local circumstances require more time.
  • Minimize your carry-on luggage AND be prepared to have them searched. Suspicious items (knives, scissors, clippers, files, etc.) may be confiscated and subject you to a further delay.
  • Make sure that your baggage is clearly tagged with your name and contact information and that you have completed and attached the cruise tags provided with your cruise documentation.
  • Verify that any required medical items are with you and not in checked luggage.
  • Verify that you have the proper identification required for all travelers in your party and that it is on your person — not in checked luggage.
  • Expect some delays and be patient.

The CDC keeps track of cruise ship sanitation and you can view the ship's score card by clicking here.

Make copies of all your important documents (passport, driver's license and credit cards) and leave a copy with a trusted family member or friend before you leave on your trip. Take a copy with you. The ship's purser will often hold passports to expedite clearing the ship in foreign ports and you can at least have a copy of your documents on you.

Use an under-the-clothing money belt. Fanny packs and handbags are prime targets for thieves.

Use some common sense. Don't walk down darkened corridors on the ship and don't accept drinks from strangers. In the last article on Personal Safety, we talked about avoidance. Use it if an argument breaks out in the casino or lounge. Walk away. We also talked about efferent cues and trusting your gut feeling. If something doesn't feel right it probably isn't. Walk away and notify the Purser's Office.

Keep your important valuables (passport, jewelry and return tickets) in the ship's safe. Do not leave anything of value in your room safe. Out of necessity, many of the ship's crew know the bypass codes.

You are better off placing your money in your front pocket rather than in your wallet. It might be safer from a pickpocket.

Gambling is a part of the cruise life and if you win, keep a low profile. Periodically cash your winnings in and put them in the ship's safe. If you hit the jackpot, ask for an escort. Criminals take cruises, too, and one just might be checking you out.

Because the U.S. has one of the strictest crewing, ship construction and ownership requirements of any country to flag a vessel, nearly 90% of the commercial vessels calling on U.S. ports fly a non-U.S. flag. That also means that some of the crew members come from some of the poorest countries in the world. That certainly does not mean they are thieves or are in any way less trust worthy. But some might be tempted by loose items left unattended. Don't tempt them with jewelry or electronics left on the night stand. Put things away.

When you go into a restaurant on shore, don't have your camera bag draped over the chair next to you. Keep it in your lap. You'd be surprised how fast a twelve year old kid can run if he has your $900 digital camera in one hand along with all your vacation pictures.

The food!! There is probably no place on earth with as eye tempting and palate pleasing food as a ship's restaurant. But use your head. If you are allergic to shell fish on land, you will still be allergic to it at sea. If you opt for the shore excursions, and who doesn't, take along plenty of bottled water and keep a critical eye turned toward the chef if you order food. Your county health department hasn't been inspecting the kitchen and you can't be certain anyone has.

Finally, watch the alcohol. It affects your judgement and your perception. And nothing can ruin a wonderful vacation faster than a hangover in seven foot swells.

Well, that's it for this section. The next section on travel covers protecting hotels. To move on, just click here.


1Railroad Safety Statistics. 2004 Annual Report. http://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/officeofsafety/

2School Bus Crashworthiness Research Report - April 2002. Abstract. http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov 3We are All Safer - NTSB Inspired Improvements in Transportation Safety.


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