People are just realizing important reason why escalator steps have grooves on them

Here's the important reason why escalators have grooves on them - a reason many on the internet are only just realizing.

Escalators are pretty common in public, whether it be at the shopping mall or in the cinema, they are often in establishments that have multiple floors.

Whether you use them to get up just one flights of stairs or more, you may have noticed they have grooves on them.

I think many have assumed it's all due to grip, meaning the likelihood of someone having a nasty accident and falling down the stairs is deceased due to the grooves.

But as per the ever-present Zack D. Films, that is actually not the case.

People are just realizing important reason why escalator steps have grooves (Getty Stock Photo)

The popular YouTuber who is best known for creating simulation videos on the platform, and is also on hand with facts you never knew you needed to know unit you watched it.

In a video discussing escalators, Zack explained how the reason for grooves is actually 'more important than it may seem'.

"As the steps circulate, the grooves sync up with a comb plate at the top," the video explained. "This comb plate gets locked in by the grooves, which blocks items from getting sucked in."

Many have flocked to the comments section of the YouTube video after watching the informative video.

"As a kid I thought you could get stuck if you don't leave escalator soon enough and die. Thats why getting on escalator used to be a matter of life and death for me," one person said.

A second added: "I was so scared of escalators for so long as a kid because of that whole escalator croc eating fiasco that was all over the news in the early 2000’s. Completely forgot about that until now lol."

While a self-proclaimed escalator expert said: "The grooves on escalator steps are there to improve traction and safety for passengers. They help to prevent slipping, especially if the steps are wet or if passengers are wearing shoes with slippery soles.

"The grooves also allow debris, such as dirt and water, to be evacuated from the step surface, which reduces the risk of passengers slipping and falling. The grooves are designed to be shallow enough that they do not trap dirt or debris, but deep enough to provide the necessary traction."

Well there you have it. It really is the more you know and Zack D certainly doesn't disappointment.

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