Stop laser pointer attacks
Bus and streetcar drivers in Zurich are increasingly falling victim to laser pointer attacks. VBZ is now launching a campaign against this.
Laser pointer attacks can literally go to the eye: If the laser beams hit the retina for even a fraction of a second, it is injured - which acutely weakens vision and may lead to lifelong vision loss.
It is therefore incomprehensible that bus and streetcar drivers are increasingly being attacked with laser pointers while at work. While there were 14 laser pointer attacks on VBZ employees in 2013, there were 38 cases in 2014. Several of them ended with injured persons. And the attacks are also dangerous for passengers.
VBZ now stands behind its drivers and draws attention to the attacks with a campaign. On the one hand by means of a poster campaign in buses and streetcars, on the other hand with the website vbz.ch/stoplaserwhere the public can inform themselves and also express solidarity with the drivers using a picture generator: Anyone who wants to can upload a picture of themselves and sit in the cab of a vehicle, at least virtually. The picture can also be shared via social media.
One of the campaign's goals is to raise awareness among passers-by: Anyone who observes such an attack should notify the police immediately - because laser pointer attacks usually constitute the offense of slight or serious bodily injury. In addition, there is the criminal offense of violence and threats against officers. According to VBZ, there have already been reports and perpetrators have been caught. They must expect prison sentences of several years. Under civil law, the attackers face high claims for damages.
