Muni Accident Rate Down Due To Cameras Aboard Vehicles
A story in The San Francisco Examiner reports that San Francisco Muni accidents are down 50% with the installation of DriveCam surveillance systems in all of the Muni buses, according to a Muni study.
Cameras Capture San Francisco Bus Drivers On Video
The cameras are activated by sudden changes in velocity, such a sharp braking or steering. Each unit has two cameras: one showing the view ahead, and one trained on the driver. Apparently, just knowing that there will be an audio and video record has caused drivers to maintain a higher standard. For drivers who are captured on video driving badly, Muni uses refined training, and discipline.
Cameras May Be Installed Throughout the SFMTA System
The DriveCam system costs about $500 per vehicle-quite a bargain for a system that Muni believes caused accidents to drop from 964 in 2009 to 483 in 2010. Of coarse, the cost per vehicle should provide many years of DriveCam coverage. Now Muni is looking at using the cameras to reduce Muni streetcar accidents too, which I hope they will do soon.
No doubt, some of the SF Muni drivers must dislike the cameras, and feel that they are intrusive. In most jobs, though, there is at least some direct supervision and observation. Given the enormous public trust that goes to public transit drivers, I would be surprised to see drivers or their representatives taking issue with the DriveCams.
Preventing San Francisco Muni Accidents
As personal injury lawyer, I have had many cases involving Muni over the years. The many protections afforded Muni drivers makes it very difficult to remove poor or mediocre drivers, unless they cause multiple injury accidents. Muni’s work rules allow drivers to work considerable overtime hours, and permit drivers to commute in from long distances, so that they start a shift already having driven one to two hours.
A system that increases safety and personal responsibility for the people of the San Francisco Bay Area is welcome. As a Muni rider, I really like the idea that there is an additional level of oversight, and that it has had such a dramatic positive impact on driver safety.
SF Muni Accident Lawyer
Not sure where to turn after being in an accident involving San Francisco public transportation? The accident lawyers at Callaway & Wolf are experienced with cases involving San Francisco Muni buses and streetcars, including cases involving passengers on vehicles, pedestrians struck by Muni vehicles, and drivers whose cars are hit by Muni vehicles. Click to contact us now for a free consultation about your case.
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.
