Subway safety: what to do if you fell onto the subway tracks?

Recently, one of those who practice moving on car hitches, handrails and footrests, and subway tunnel was hit by an oncoming train and died. The International Charitable Foundation “Assistance to victims of road accidents” has learned what to do if you or your relatives fell onto the train tracks, witness an accident or notice an offender. Why compliance with safety rules in the subway is no less important than on other means of transport.

According to statistics, up to 50 people die in the metro every year, more often due to their own carelessness or deliberate search for a drive, as in the situation with hooks. Despite the fact that the subway is one of those means of transport where safety rules are constantly and systematically reminded, most users still do not know how to act in a situation where one fell on the tracks.

The first thing to know, remember and emphasize, especially for children, is that subway trains run on electric traction, so to the usual two running rails, there is a third, yellow or red, which is equipped with electricity. Being next to it is dangerous. Therefore, once somebody is on the track, one can NEVER climb over the rails and try to scratch on the platform by him or herself.

There are two options:
  • if a person fell on the rails, but feels normal and can get up, he must move IN THE DIRECTION OF THE TRAIN to the digital board, where there are safe steps that one can use;
  • if person cannot move, but reacts, or does not have time to reach the steps, it is recommended to lie down in the tray between the rails HEAD TO THE TRAIN, be sure to take off your backpacks and bags, and wait for the train to pass. No matter how psychologically difficult it is, it will save lives. The position of the head to the train will help to avoid tearing of clothes by a stream of air and risk to be caught.
In any case, those who fell on the track, but in consciousness, and passengers on the platform, must URGENTLY AND LOUDLY report the accident to subway workers or the police!  At this time, depending on the situation, other passengers should orient the person to the above actions, if he is conscious. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES can a hand or other means be extended from the platform to remove the victim, otherwise the “rescuer” may be struck by an electric shock. A few seconds are important to warn the driver of the need to reduce speed or stop the train and help the person get out during this time.

The same applies to quite frequent cases when personal things fall on the rails. NEVER try to take them out by yourself! Always call for help! Usually the station attendant has a special device that works as tongs, rubber gloves and complete instructions for action in such cases.

In general, the risk of getting under a subway train is extremely low. Especially if you follow all the rules of the road. No wonder the loudspeakers constantly emphasize that passengers should not go beyond the restrictive line on the platforms. First, the protruding mirrors of the train can touch and seriously injure passengers. Secondly, even if person loses consciousness, a person will not fall under the train, but on the platform, where people can help.

The subway is the most crowded means of transport, and therefore any non- compliance with the rules of its use can be dangerous for thousands of other passengers. If you notice hitchhikers or other traffic offenders, warn them and immediately report to subway workers and the police.