For those in Boston, it should come as no surprise that the recent weather has been uncomfortably cold. Unfortunately, going to work, running errands or going to school is still necessary despite the frigid temperatures. Many people take advantage of the services of MBTA in order to get to their destination, but unfortunately the cold weather can put commuters at risk.
Our Boston injury attorneys want to warn everyone of the serious dangers of the cold weather commute. We also urge MBTA to make every effort to protect its passengers from the extreme cold. Unfortunately, two recent news articles suggest that MBTA is trying to take steps to protect commuters but efforts may be falling short.
MBTA Puts Commuters at Risk for Injuries Due to Extreme Cold
According to 7 News Boston, commuters heading to work on the Green Line on Wednesday were left out into the cold on the coldest day of the year. The problem developed shortly before 8:00 A.M. when electrical cables in a manhole panel caught fire near the MBTA Station on Arlington Street. Because of the fire, MBTA turned commuters out into the cold where they were left trying to find buses or alternative routes to their destination.
Service did not resume until 11:00 A.M. and commuters expressed frustration with being left out into the cold. While 7 News Boston reported that no one was injured as a result of the whole incident, the fact is that winter presents a risk to MBTA riders. Those who take the mass transit are in danger of developing frostbite or hypothermia as they wait for extended periods in the cold. Other winter weather dangers also exist including the potential for slipping and falling or being hit by vehicles.
On the same day as their report about the Green Line incident, 7 News Boston also reported the MBTA was going to start monitoring trains in light of the bitter cold weather.
This article indicated that the extreme cold in Boston affects the trains, which in turn adversely affect commuters. As of the January 23 article, temperatures were not expected to go above 17 degrees with a wind chill making it feel more like five degrees below. In 2011, when temperatures fell to similarly freezing levels, many trains were down and there were long delays. The delays and problems with the trains caused by the cold compound the risk of injury to commuters who are left in the freezing cold waiting for a train that is slow to arrive.
If you or a loved one has been injured in the Greater Boston area, contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, LLC for a free consultation. Call (617) 777-7777.