Efforts to End Subway Surfing Intensified in New York City
Increased Use of Drones and Student-Driven PSAs to Combat Deadly Trend
In the wake of three young New Yorkers dying from subway surfing in a six-week span, the city is expanding its plan to put an end to the dangerous stunt. The plan includes the use of drones in the air and more student-driven public service announcements.
Mayor Adams Speaks Out Against Subway Surfing
Standing steps away from the 7 line, one of the most popular subway surfing lines in the city, Mayor Eric Adams held up a photo of someone atop a subway car.
"This is real. It’s not having fun, it’s fatal," Mayor Adams said outside P.S. 11 in Woodside Thursday.
Drone Pilot Program and Student-Driven PSAs
So far in 2024, there have been six subway surfing deaths compared to five in all of 2023. The mayor believes using drone technology and more youth involvement in public service announcements will make an impact across the city.
"It’s a combination of the patrol force on the ground. It’s a combination of our team at One Police Plaza that’s monitoring these lines based on 311, and 911, data. And it is a combination of everyday New Yorkers who see this taking place and report it to us, and then it’s the young people who are part of the PSA’s that we’re putting together," Adams said.
Drone Pilot Program
The NYPD’s plan involves using a few of the drone teams during after-school hours of 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on popular lines throughout the five boroughs. The police department has also partnered with the Department of Education for anti-subway surfing presentations to about 1,300 students so far.
Student Empowerment and Social Media Campaign
The NYC Schools Chancellor says that will expand to more schools throughout the city. The NYPD and MTA launched the campaign "Ride Inside, Stay Alive," which was designed by high schoolers. Students also made posters and recorded PSAs to amplify their voices in the fight against the potentially dangerous effects of peer pressure and social media.
Social Media and the Role in Subway Surfing
The NYPD and Mayor Adams made clear the other huge piece of the problem is social media, as young people continue to be motivated by viral videos and are fueled by the likes and views they generate. The mayor said he’s had conversations with social media companies about the impact of the dangerous videos.
"So we’re going after social media companies and social media platforms. They have an obligation not to put profit over public safety," he said. "We don’t glorify violence or hate or any other criminal activity on these websites, and we must stop glorifying subway surfing. Every injury, every death, is 100% preventable," said NYPD Commissioner Tom Donlon.
Conclusion
The city is taking a multi-faceted approach to combat subway surfing, including the use of drones, student-driven PSAs, and partnerships with the Department of Education and social media companies. The goal is to prevent further tragedies and promote a safer and more responsible approach to public transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the goal of the subway surfing campaign?
A: The goal is to prevent further tragedies and promote a safer and more responsible approach to public transportation.
Q: How will the drone pilot program work?
A: The drone pilot program will involve using a few of the drone teams during after-school hours of 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on popular lines throughout the five boroughs.
Q: What is the role of social media in subway surfing?
A: Social media companies have an obligation not to put profit over public safety, and they must stop glorifying subway surfing.
