Cable Cars: The Most Dangerous Form of Public Transportation?
Muni Cable Car Accident Payouts Revealed
Cable cars serve as a historic symbol of San Francisco; however, they have been under fire after the Associated Press (AP) obtained records showing payouts for personal injuries sustained as a result of cable car rides. According to NBC News, the AP report revealed that the city of San Francisco had paid out around $8 million to dozens of injured riders in three years alone. This revelation had numerous news sources, city administrators, and cable car riders wondering: Are cable cars a particularly dangerous form of public transport?
San Francisco’s Historic Cable Car System
San Francisco’s cable car system is the last manually operated cable car system anywhere in the world. Cable cars started running in 1893 and, though the system was largely rebuilt in the early 1980s, the 19th century technology poses risks when mixed with modern roads and traffic. The cable cars pass through numerous busy intersections and face the modern day dangers of driving while texting, talking on cell phones, and other distracted or aggressive driving behaviors. The passengers on the open cable cars have little protection from SUVs, delivery trucks, or other large motor vehicles with which they might collide. Moreover, the cable cars are often overcrowded, have no restraints, and have a pine block as their primary brake. Some have compared cable car rides to riding a roller coaster with no safety bar.
Cable cars are icons on San Francisco’s streets, and one of the top tourist attractions the city has to offer. Though most regular commuters choose to use buses and the San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI) lines, the cable cars, also run by the Municipal Transportation Agency, continue to transport approximately 7 million passengers every year, which breaks down to an estimated 19,000 people every day.
Department of Transportation Reports on Cable Car Accidents
Statistics do not help to salvage the reputation of the iconic cable car system. The Department of Transportation reports that approximately one cable car accident happens every month and 16 accidents happened in 2012 alone. Over the past 10 years, authorities reported 126 cable car accidents with at least 151 resulting personal injuries. Considering these statistics, it seems unsurprising that many experts consider cable cars to be the most dangerous form of public transportation.
Injuries from Cable Car Muni Accidents
Injuries sustained on cable car and Muni transportation vary in type and severity. Reported injuries include broken bones, torn tendons, lacerations, and bruises, among others. In late 2011, the city of San Francisco paid John Gainor $3 million because his foot had to be amputated after it got caught between a cable car and a parked car on the side of the street. Four other tourists shared a $4 million payout after suffering serious injuries when a brakeman fell off a cable car, causing the car to careen uncontrollably down a steep hill and derail onto the sidewalk. Just earlier this year, a car hit a metal bolt on the tracks, sending five passengers and two car employees to the hospital. One elderly man sustained a life-threatening head injury.
San Francisco Muni & Cable Car Accident Attorney
Though cable cars are unquestionably an iconic part of San Francisco’s heritage, accidents and injuries on the cars are unfortunately common. If you have been injured in a cable car or other type of accident, contact our office today to help you recover. Call 415-541-0300 to request a free consultation with an experienced injury attorney.
Boone Callaway is a personal injury & medical malpractice lawyer in San Francisco who has been working with clients in the Bay Area for over 25 years. Mr. Callaway is one of only a few personal injury litigators in San Francisco who is a Super Lawyer, AV Rated and is also a member of ABOTA – American Board of Trial Advocates.
