We ride up and down them effortlessly without a second thought, but escalators and their gently cascading steps can have a mind of their own.
Writer Jess Molina knows this better than anyone. She came a cropper on an escalator at Auckland's Britomart train station last week.
After stepping onto the escalator, Molina felt a gentle tug on her loose black pants. Sure enough, she was caught, and the escalator was slowly digesting her favourite pants.
"I like to stand on the side so that people can go past me... the fast people," Molina told Seven Sharp reporter Mary-Jane Aggett.
"I was about halfway when I felt something get stuck. I realised I was stuck. You've only got a couple of seconds before panic sets in."
Molina couldn't get off the escalator — she was trapped. And worse, she couldn't reach the emergency stop button.
"I was trying to hit the button, but you need to lift up the button," Molina recalled.
Luckily, fellow travellers stepped in; the man who called out "help!", the woman who stayed with Molina, and security guy Neil — her saviour with a pair of scissors.
So how can we keep ourselves safe on escalators? It's not rocket science, but it's worth thinking about.
Auckland Transport's Rachel Cara said keeping our hands free while navigating an escalator is a must.
"I think we just need to be aware of our surroundings. While in busy public transport hubs or busy malls, we're distracted by our phones," she said.
"Just take a moment to make a conscious effort to step on that escalator. Hold the handrail, and if your arms are filled with luggage or shopping, take the lift."
Despite her run-in with an escalator, the experience hasn't put Molina off the idea of riding one again.
"I used it [the escalator] this morning," she laughed. "I'm back on track."
'Think about the risks'
ACC said there were nearly 500 new claims lodged for escalator-related injuries last year.
ACC's injury prevention leader James Whitaker said the vast majority of injuries are preventable — including injuries relating to elevators and escalators.
"Often when we look back on an injury or a near miss, we can see the warning signs that led up to it happening. So, a great way to prevent injuries — regardless of what we're doing — is to take a moment to have a 'hmmm?' Before we get stuck in, think about the risks, and how you can avoid them.
"Older New Zealanders have disproportionately more escalator-related injuries than other people in New Zealand," he said.
"Falls are New Zealand's leading cause of injury claims and can have life-changing flow-on effects for older people. Older New Zealanders can help to prevent fall-related injuries by increasing their strength and balance.
"People can also improve their balance by downloading and using the Nymbl app — by using the app for around 10 minutes a day a few times a week people can reduce their chance of injury and keep leading a full, active lifestyle."
Escalator dos and don'ts:
Ditch your phone: You need your hands to be free — the handrail's there for a reason. Lock your phone's screen and put it in your pocket. Keep yourself and everyone around you safe.
Hitch up your clothing: If you're wearing baggy clothing such as loose pants, hitch them up before you jump on an escalator — make sure they're clear of the tread.
Travel light: Just take yourself on an escalator. If you're carrying any luggage with you, take the lift instead.
Sensible shoes: Be mindful of what you're wearing on your feet before you step onboard an escalator — jandals or high heels could be a hazard. keep yourself safe and balanced.
By Mary-Jane Aggett
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