Like elevators, escalators are typically seen as a safe way to travel between floors. However, serious escalator accidents are much more common in the United States than most people think. According to a National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) study, “about 10,000 escalator-related injuries per year result in emergency department treatment in the United States.” Accidents involving escalators have the potential to leave victims with severe physical trauma. What are some of the causes of escalator accidents in the United States? Studies have shown that the most common factors include:
Common Factors of Escalator Accidents
- Mechanical malfunctions - Regular maintenance is required for an escalator to continue functioning properly. If not, major mechanical failures could lead to life-threatening accidents.
- Missing or broken steps - A rider could fall through and become trapped within the machinery below if a step is missing or broken.
- Missing or broken handrails - Although escalators only transport riders between two or three stories within a building, the heights could be hundreds of feet. If a rider falls off a moving escalator, serious fatal injuries could result.
- Comb plate malfunctions - Comb plates are present at the top and bottom of escalators. A rider could get caught and seriously injured if a comb plate has gaps, missing teeth, or is otherwise malfunctioning.
- Intoxication - Alcohol is a huge risk factor in many escalator-related injuries. According to data from the NCBI, 50 percent of male victims and 7 percent of female victims showed signs of alcohol intoxication.