What can you do to improve your safety when flying? Listen and pay attention to instructions, according to expert George Bibel. Citing the surprising statistic that passengers are more likely to survive an accident (five times more likely, in fact) than die, Bibel warns travellers to follow the instructions of flight attendants for their own safety. Even something as simple as fastening your seat belt can prevent serious injury during turbulence.
In addition to citing examples of crashes where passengers and crew were successfully evacuated, Bibel also discusses some interesting points about the structure and design of airplanes. For instance, did you know that Federal Aviation Association regulations require that a plane can be evacuated within 90 seconds -- even with unprepared passengers and half the exits blocked?
Want to see more? Read the full article: “Fasten your seatbelt. Yes, YOU” from the International Herald Tribune.
Showing posts with label transportation safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label transportation safety. Show all posts
January 25, 2008
January 24, 2008
Mexico City's new "Women only" bus service
Concerned about safety on public transit? Look for the pink signs.
While a fact of life for the locals, Mexico City’s overcrowded transit system is the subject of warnings in travel advice. The crowded, chaotic buses are the perfect cover for pick pocketing and theft, and travellers are often warned against taking public transit during rush hour for this reason.
However, the women of Mexico City have a different concern: the groping, assault and verbal abuse they face on a daily basis. According to a recent article on Reuters, the transit authority has received numerous complaints and is now trying a new option: Women only buses. Identified by their pink signs, these buses run on the regular routes but only accept female passengers.
Currently, the buses only run on two of the city’s busiest routes, but look for a wider expansion of the program by April. The metro system also has reserved cars for women and children.
While a fact of life for the locals, Mexico City’s overcrowded transit system is the subject of warnings in travel advice. The crowded, chaotic buses are the perfect cover for pick pocketing and theft, and travellers are often warned against taking public transit during rush hour for this reason.
However, the women of Mexico City have a different concern: the groping, assault and verbal abuse they face on a daily basis. According to a recent article on Reuters, the transit authority has received numerous complaints and is now trying a new option: Women only buses. Identified by their pink signs, these buses run on the regular routes but only accept female passengers.
Currently, the buses only run on two of the city’s busiest routes, but look for a wider expansion of the program by April. The metro system also has reserved cars for women and children.
January 17, 2008
"Ladies only" on the train?
Travelling alone? A new pilot project on Russia’s long-distance trains may make the journey safer.
According to an online article recently published by Reuters many people traverse Russia by train rather than flying, and opt for four-bed compartments as a cheaper alternative for their journey.
The article reports that Russian Railways is now implementing a pilot program to improve the security and comfort of their customers. Travelers can now book tickets for male, female or mixed compartments. The program came about as a response to many requests -- mainly from female passengers, according to the operator quoted in the article.
The program is in place on eight long-distance trains so far, and if the initiative is successful will be implemented on a larger scale.
According to an online article recently published by Reuters many people traverse Russia by train rather than flying, and opt for four-bed compartments as a cheaper alternative for their journey.
The article reports that Russian Railways is now implementing a pilot program to improve the security and comfort of their customers. Travelers can now book tickets for male, female or mixed compartments. The program came about as a response to many requests -- mainly from female passengers, according to the operator quoted in the article.
The program is in place on eight long-distance trains so far, and if the initiative is successful will be implemented on a larger scale.
January 16, 2008
Get the 511 on traffic information
Traveling the U.S. by car? You probably already know that dialing 911 will reach emergency services and 411 will give you directory assistance. But did you know that 511 can give you important information that could affect your travels?
Like it’s “11” cousins, this number is being implemented through many states and areas to ensure consistency and easy access to information. With one call, the service provides information on traffic conditions, road closures, construction and emergency alerts. This data is also available online through the Federal Highway Administration at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/511.htm
A word to the wise: While the basic service is usually free, cell phone users may want to watch out for roaming and airtime fees, and hotel guests should check into phone use fees. Using a payphone is an expensive alternative.
Like it’s “11” cousins, this number is being implemented through many states and areas to ensure consistency and easy access to information. With one call, the service provides information on traffic conditions, road closures, construction and emergency alerts. This data is also available online through the Federal Highway Administration at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/511.htm
A word to the wise: While the basic service is usually free, cell phone users may want to watch out for roaming and airtime fees, and hotel guests should check into phone use fees. Using a payphone is an expensive alternative.
September 17, 2007
How safe is your airline?
Do you have concerns about the safety and security of your airline? Recent updates to Australian government travel advice now include a section on Airline Safety. Aside from general advice such as travel tips and carry-on restrictions, you can also find out more information about operating bans and restrictions.
The Air Transport Portal of the European Commission publishes a list of airlines banned within the European Union which also includes airlines operating under restrictions or specific conditions. This advice focuses on individual airlines and imposes penalties based on violations of regulatory practice.
In contrast, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) focuses on a country’s (not the specific airline’s) ability to follow international standards and best practices for maintenance and operation. Further research can be done at the International Civil Aviation Organization website.
The Air Transport Portal of the European Commission publishes a list of airlines banned within the European Union which also includes airlines operating under restrictions or specific conditions. This advice focuses on individual airlines and imposes penalties based on violations of regulatory practice.
In contrast, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) focuses on a country’s (not the specific airline’s) ability to follow international standards and best practices for maintenance and operation. Further research can be done at the International Civil Aviation Organization website.
September 12, 2007
How safe is your cruise?
Are you safer at sea or at home? You might be surprised by recent news.
The cruise industry has been plagued by a number of issues this past year ranging from virus outbreaks to ships running aground. An article on NEWS.com.au warns of another startling trend: cruise ship passengers are 50 percent more likely to be the victim of a sexual assault on board than on land. According to expert Ross Klein from the University of Newfoundland, about 80 percent of assaults were carried out by cruise line staff.
But are cruise ships really that dangerous? As noted in the article, part of the problem is that people assume they are safe and are therefore less vigilant. Klein notes that people should at least take the same precautions on board a cruise as they would in a major city, if not more. For example, parents should not let their children run around unsupervised.
The Australian Government’s advice for Shipping and Ports now includes a section on cruise ships to provide safety advice for travellers.
The cruise industry has been plagued by a number of issues this past year ranging from virus outbreaks to ships running aground. An article on NEWS.com.au warns of another startling trend: cruise ship passengers are 50 percent more likely to be the victim of a sexual assault on board than on land. According to expert Ross Klein from the University of Newfoundland, about 80 percent of assaults were carried out by cruise line staff.
But are cruise ships really that dangerous? As noted in the article, part of the problem is that people assume they are safe and are therefore less vigilant. Klein notes that people should at least take the same precautions on board a cruise as they would in a major city, if not more. For example, parents should not let their children run around unsupervised.
The Australian Government’s advice for Shipping and Ports now includes a section on cruise ships to provide safety advice for travellers.
July 16, 2007
“Arrangiarti” in Italy
Frequent transportation strikes are a part of everyday life in Italy. Can they disrupt your plans?
According to tourist website Summer in Italy, transportation strikes are so common that they have become a way of life. The site notes that Italians "ci arrangiamo" (“we do the best we can”).
In order to minimize the disruption, it’s the law that advanced notice must be given for strikes. Details are posted on the Commissione di Garanzia (the official strike authority) website. If you don’t speak Italian, Summer in Italy has a comprehensive list to keep travellers aware and informed.
Most strikes are of short duration, but job actions involving airline or airport personnel can lead to cancelled flights. If you anticipate a problem, check with your travel provider.
According to tourist website Summer in Italy, transportation strikes are so common that they have become a way of life. The site notes that Italians "ci arrangiamo" (“we do the best we can”).
In order to minimize the disruption, it’s the law that advanced notice must be given for strikes. Details are posted on the Commissione di Garanzia (the official strike authority) website. If you don’t speak Italian, Summer in Italy has a comprehensive list to keep travellers aware and informed.
Most strikes are of short duration, but job actions involving airline or airport personnel can lead to cancelled flights. If you anticipate a problem, check with your travel provider.
June 4, 2007
America’s worst drivers
Which cities top the list for bad driving habits?
The U.S. government travel advice isn’t shy about warning against bad driving practices in other countries, but how do their own citizens shape up? A recent survey conducted by Prince Market Research investigated road rage and rude drivers for major cities across the country.
The worst place to drive: Miami, Florida. New York City, Boston, Los Angeles and capital city Washington D.C. round out the top-five. In contrast, drivers in Portland, Oregon are the most courteous.
Want to see the top ten? Visit ABC.com.
The U.S. government travel advice isn’t shy about warning against bad driving practices in other countries, but how do their own citizens shape up? A recent survey conducted by Prince Market Research investigated road rage and rude drivers for major cities across the country.
The worst place to drive: Miami, Florida. New York City, Boston, Los Angeles and capital city Washington D.C. round out the top-five. In contrast, drivers in Portland, Oregon are the most courteous.
Want to see the top ten? Visit ABC.com.
April 9, 2007
New Delhi drivers first to “butt-out”
Driving in New Delhi is dangerous enough without addition distractions. According to a recent article on ABC News, the city’s high court implemented a series of measures to improve driving habits. Cell phone use and smoking were both banned in an effort to minimize road chaos in the city of 14 million people.
New Delhi is the first city to implement a ban on smoking while driving. The article also cautions of penalties if you get caught. The $32 fine is a sizable amount in that country, and five offenses results in the driver’s license being revoked.
The new safety measures are in effect as of April 9th.
New Delhi is the first city to implement a ban on smoking while driving. The article also cautions of penalties if you get caught. The $32 fine is a sizable amount in that country, and five offenses results in the driver’s license being revoked.
The new safety measures are in effect as of April 9th.
March 30, 2007
Carry-on safety “measures” go global
Canadian and American travelers are already used to carry-on restrictions that limit the amount of gel, liquids and aerosols that can be packed in carry-on luggage. As of March 31, 2007 many other countries such as South Korea, Australia and New Zealand will have these security measures in place. According to media sources, the new measures will likely cause confusion and delays for air travelers.
The new restrictions mean that travelers will be allowed to carry no more than 100ml of gels, aerosols or liquids and must present these items in a re-sealable plastic bag of about 1 litre in volume. This bag must be presented for screening separately from all other carry-on luggage.
Full details of the restrictions can be found at the Flysmart and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) websites.
The new restrictions mean that travelers will be allowed to carry no more than 100ml of gels, aerosols or liquids and must present these items in a re-sealable plastic bag of about 1 litre in volume. This bag must be presented for screening separately from all other carry-on luggage.
Full details of the restrictions can be found at the Flysmart and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) websites.
January 1, 2007
Stay on your feet in the Netherlands
As of January 1, 2007 Segways have been banned from all public roads, bike paths and walkways in the Netherlands.
According to an article on Yahoo! News, these two-wheeled, self-balancing scooters are considered are a motorized vehicle under Dutch law. However, Segways cannot be licensed under current law or issues license plates. Changes in policy could be slow in coming because the Dutch government is still being formed after the Nov. 22 elections.
In the meantime, Segways can still be used on private property. The article even notes that military police at Schiphol Airport are using them as part of a pilot project.
Other countries, such as Belgium and Germany, have also drafted laws governing the use of Segways.
According to an article on Yahoo! News, these two-wheeled, self-balancing scooters are considered are a motorized vehicle under Dutch law. However, Segways cannot be licensed under current law or issues license plates. Changes in policy could be slow in coming because the Dutch government is still being formed after the Nov. 22 elections.
In the meantime, Segways can still be used on private property. The article even notes that military police at Schiphol Airport are using them as part of a pilot project.
Other countries, such as Belgium and Germany, have also drafted laws governing the use of Segways.
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