Tag Archives: driving

What to do in an Accident: a (Partly) Humorous Look by Trolley Guide Barbie Gillis

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When you drive in downtown Boston 8-13 hours a day, your risk of having an accident is much higher than for your average driver. So even if you are the next Ricky Bobby, eventually you will hit something, or something will hit you. So what should you do in such a situation? First and foremost get rid of the body :)

About a week ago I was parked at the trolley stop in front of the State House (which is not the Shaw Memorial kids, but we’ll save that issue for another time). I had my hazard lights flashing as I read the morning news while waiting to start the day.  By news I mean Facebook. Just as I finished reading the heart-warming story about Ashley’s boyfriend being released from prison, Crash! Bam! I was hit by a school bus.

I “liked” the status, then met the other driver outside with little to no profanity. I greeted the bus full of horrified children with a smile and wave. Next, we exchanged paperwork. I took pictures of both vehicles, along with a picture of the other driver’s license, registration, and medical card. I called my dispatcher and was ready to head back to the barn.

Just then a Boston police officer showed up. We gave her all the information she needed to write a report. Then she gave me this great advice.

IF YOU ARE EVER IN AN ACCIDENT PROTECT YOURSELF!

1) Always call or wave down a police officer to do a report. Sometimes stories change after you leave the scene. Then it becomes your word against theirs and quite often people develop “trauma” or “head injury” a week later, when they realize the possible capital gain.

2) If you have passengers make sure they are o.k., and do not let them leave until the police officer arrives to confirm that.

3) Check all of the other driver’s credentials, and make sure they match up: i.e., plate matches registration, med card up to date, hackney badge if required (check picture especially on cab drivers).

4) Notify your dispatcher.

5) Get the police report number from the officer.

6) Take pictures of everything, including the damage to both vehicles.

7)  If necessary get names and phone numbers of witnesses.

Also don’t argue with the driver. Stay calm, follow procedure, and carry on.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS ALL TROLLEY DRIVERS SHOULD CARRY:

Your Dispatcher/ Main office
BOSTON POLICE (617) 343-4240
CAMBRIDGE POLICE (617) 349-3300
SUICIDE HOTLINE (877) 870-HOPE (8336)

-Barbie Gillis is a Charlestown native and has been a tour guide at Super Trolley Tours for 2 years.

Earbuds are Illegal While Driving

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by Jon Cotton

Last week Boston cyclist (and lawyer) Josh Zisson wrote a blog article on the danger for cyclists of wearing earbuds.  There’s no law against it, but it’s dangerous.  Meanwhile the Massachusetts State Police published a post last week about motorists wearing them.  In Massachusetts it is legal for us to drive with an earbud in one ear but not in both ears.  Here’s what the State Police said:

First responders, including law enforcement and fire and rescue crews, use their emergency lights and sirens to safely navigate the roadways when responding to emergencies. During daylight hours, flashing emergency lights may not be seen as easily as at nighttime, and the only way to for an operator to be warned of the emergency vehicle is from a siren. The concern is the wail from a siren can be drowned out by an operator wearing headphones in both of their ears…

Additionally vehicles registered in Massachusetts are required to get a safety inspection and part of that inspection requires the horn to be in good working order. The horn, when properly used, is a safety signal device used to warn operators of possible collisions and hazards posed from other vehicles or objects in the roadway. The wearing of headphones removes the effectiveness of those warnings, further leaving a driver oblivious of a dangerous situation.

So be aware.  If a police officer sees you wearing earbuds you could be stopped.

-Jon Cotton is a creator of Bostontourguide.org