In May of this year, a netizen left a message to Chengdu Metro suggesting that during rush hours, the "stand right, walk left" rule be promoted on escalators. However, Chengdu Metro replied that it does not advocate this practice. Once regarded as a symbol of civility, why is "stand right, walk left" no longer advocated? A Yangtse Evening Post reporter interviewed experts from the Jiangsu Institute of Special Equipment Inspection.

　　Standing on the right side of an escalator and leaving the left side for those in a hurry—commonly known as "stand right, walk left"—was once seen as a symbol of civility and a convenience to others. Why is it no longer advocated?

　　Zhang Xindong, director of the Mechanical and Electrical Technology Center of the Jiangsu Institute of Special Equipment Inspection, explained that "stand right, walk left" carries two hidden risks: long-term load-bearing on one side accelerates chain wear and may even cause the escalator to tilt. In addition, the step height of escalators is not suitable for walking. Standards stipulate that the design height of stairs in public places is 13 cm to 18 cm, while escalator steps are 21 cm to 24 cm—not only noticeably higher than ordinary stairs and unsuitable for walking, but also moving at high speed. If a walking person trips and falls, it can very easily lead to a stampede during rush hours when passenger flow is heavy.

　　As summer arrives, more people are wearing "hole shoes" (Crocs-style clogs) and long skirts, and special care should be taken when riding escalators to prevent them from being "bitten." In previous news reports, someone's "hole shoes" were even "bitten" off by a third, which looked quite alarming. Zhang Xindong explained that "hole shoes" are generally made of relatively soft material; when they come into contact with the gaps between escalator steps or between the steps and the skirt panel, greater friction occurs, making them very easily drawn into the escalator gaps.

　　In addition, if wearing a long skirt on or off an escalator, extra attention should be paid to the hem to prevent it from being caught in the escalator gaps.

　　In daily life, passengers are also seen pushing baby strollers onto escalators, not realizing that this is also very dangerous. While the escalator is running, the stroller is usually positioned on different steps; once balance cannot be maintained, it can very easily cause the baby in the stroller to fall.

　　What should you do if an accident occurs while riding an escalator? Shout loudly for help and ask others to press the emergency stop button. Every escalator has a red emergency stop button at its upper and lower sections, and large elevators have one in the middle. After a danger or accident occurs, the emergency stop button should be pressed immediately to stop the escalator.