On May 13, 2008, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission released tips to keep an estimated 90 billion escalator riders safe while using the moving stars. The CPSC estimates there were 11,000 escalator-related injuries in 2007.

The most common injury on escalators is foot entrapment, and according to the CPSC, soft-sided shoes are the most likely to get stuck and pose foot-entrapment hazards to riders. Cogs and slides are two of the most popular styles of soft-sided shoes. The CPSC attributes at least 77 incidents of entrapment to soft-sided shoes since January 2006. The CPSC?s tips for safely riding escalators are:

• Make sure shoes are tied before getting on an escalator.
• Stand in the center of the step and be sure to step off of the escalator at the end of your ride.
• Always hold children’s hands on escalators and do not permit children to sit or play on the steps.
• Do not bring children onto escalators in strollers, walkers, or carts.
• Always face forward and hold the handrail.
• Avoid the sides of steps where entrapment can occur.
• Learn where the emergency shutoff buttons are in case you need to stop the escalator.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, ?Know the Steps to Safety When Using Escalators,? May 13, 2008.