Buttigieg Says Wheelchair Incident in Viral Video Will be Investigated
Buttigieg Says Wheelchair Incident in Viral Video Will be Investigated The Messenger
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Investigation Launched into Mishandling of Wheelchair at Miami International Airport
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has announced that the department will be conducting an investigation into a viral video depicting the mishandling of a wheelchair at the Miami International Airport. The incident, captured in the video, shows the wheelchair being thrown down a baggage chute, crashing into the gate, and flipping onto the runway.
Ensuring Safe and Accessible Air Travel for All
The video, initially shared on TikTok, suggests that other wheelchairs were also not properly transported to the tarmac. Secretary Buttigieg expressed his strong disapproval of the incident on social media, stating that such behavior is “unacceptable.” He emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting passengers who use wheelchairs and ensuring their safe and dignified travel experiences.
In response to the incident, Secretary Buttigieg shared the Department of Transportation’s Disability Policy Priorities. These priorities outline guidelines and best practices aimed at enabling safe and accessible air travel for individuals with disabilities.
Prioritizing the Safety of Wheelchair Users
While specific procedures for wheelchair transportation may vary, the guidelines highlight the department’s focus on “Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs” through rule-making. This priority reflects the department’s recognition of the challenges faced by wheelchair users during air travel.
According to the Department of Transportation, more than 1% of wheelchairs and scooters transported in the cargo compartment of domestic flights are damaged, delayed, or lost. This statistic underscores the importance of addressing these issues and implementing measures to improve the handling and transportation of mobility devices.
Working Towards Sustainable Development Goals
The mishandling of wheelchairs not only poses risks to individuals with disabilities but also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 10 aims to reduce inequalities, including those faced by persons with disabilities, while SDG 11 focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. By prioritizing the safe and accessible transportation of wheelchairs, the Department of Transportation contributes to the achievement of these global goals.
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