San Diego has many different transportation options, including transit buses, school buses, the trolley, taxis, shuttles, and the Coaster train. When you ride on public transportation, these carriers have a great deal of responsibility in making sure you’re as safe as possible. But how far does a provider need to go to ensure safety for its passengers?
Do Personality Tests Improve Safety?
Can personality tests for public transportation operators make things safer for passengers? It looks like Southern California’s Metrolink thinks so. Rich Connell of the Los Angeles Times reports that after last year’s Metrolink crash left 25 people dead, reforms were recommended to improve safety. Among the proposals was a requirement that all engineers and conductors take and pass personality screening tests.
Despite the controversy, Metrolink will likely require new and current engineers and conductors to take the psychological screening tests. But opponents say that the personality tests aren’t a good way to determine if engineers and conductors will safely operate trains.
Living Up to High Standards
Under the law, businesses that transport passengers or property bear a heavy responsibility. As drivers, we’re legally required to be careful in order to avoid harming others. But the law requires even greater care from public transportation carriers. The higher standard means bus drivers, taxi drivers, train conductors, airplane pilots, and other public transportation must be even more cautious to avoid preventable injuries to people and property.
This obligation to go beyond ordinary carefulness isn’t limited to a driver’s actions. The public transportation carrier has to be just as careful when it comes to maintenance, inspections, and so on.
If you were seriously injured on a bus or other public transit, then get the skilled legal help you need to seek full and fair compensation. In any case, it’s important to act quickly and before the time to file your lawsuit expires. In public transportation accidents, time can be even shorter if a government agency is involved (usually you have only six months to start your claim). Speak with San Diego Law Firm’s seasoned accident and personal injury lawyers by calling (619) 794-0243.
