At some point, every commuter has thought about what would happen if he or she were to accidentally fall onto the subway tracks. Most people would instinctually attempt to hoist themselves back onto the platform, but if that fails, commuters also have a few alternative options.
The first is to cross the third rail and stand in the space between the two sets of train tracks. Often times, this is a calculated risk because the rail carries 660 volts of electricity — enough to kill anyone who touches it.
A person could also lie flat on the ground. If there is enough clearance, a train should be able to pass over without harming the individual.
The final and most sensible thing to do is to simply run away from the train. If there is enough time, a person could run towards the end of the platform, past where the train would normally stop, and find the set of stairs that connects back to the platform.
Commuters, however, should just keep in mind that operators of major city subway systems do not have an official stance on safety because each station is built differently.
"There are no generalities when it comes to the subway system," said Charles Seaton, a spokesman for New York City's Metropolitan Transit Authority.
"What we try to do, and it's difficult because we have 5.5 million people a day riding, we try to educate people not to end up on the edge of the platform, accidentally or on purpose."
