Subway trains travel at high-paced speeds and come in and out of stations every 2 to 5 minutes. The subway system is a fast and cheap way for people to commute but it can also be dangerous as well. Trains maneuver themselves on electric rails which can be highly dangerous. The third rail alone consists of 600 volts of electricity. There are many injuries and causalities that occur every year in Subway stations. These injuries and causalities occur because of commuters disregarding signs and not following instructions.
The MTA posts signs and billboards that stress commuter safety and taking certain precautions, when riding the subway. They put billboards such as "DO NOT LEAN ON DOORS" or "DO CROSS SUBWAY CARS", but people don't listen. People (children and teenagers) tend to fool around on the trains and pass through carts while the train is in motion. This activity is very perilous and might result in injury or even death. There was one incident, where a man got his foot jammed in between subway carts as he was passing through. Now, if he had looked at the "DO CROSS SUBWAY CARS" sign, he would have not injured his leg.
One of the most dangerous aspects of using the subway system is waiting for the train at the platform. Although the MTA places special material showing commuters were they should stand on the platform, but people continue to move closer and closer towards the end of the platform. This is dangerous because someone might accidentally push you onto the train tracks or you might accidentally stumble onto the tracks. Once a person falls on the tracks, they may be electrified by the third rail or run over by an incoming train. .
Commuters must beware of the dangers that are involved in using the subway and take certain precautions that will help protect themselves from danger. The MTA should make certain safety precautions in the subways such as railings at the end of the platform.