Escalators can not only be tricky to navigate but also deadly. It is important that you exercise the utmost care when approaching, riding, getting off or even looking at escalators. When approaching these dangerous devices one should slow right down and watch the movement of the steps for a little while so as to get the rhythm of them. All those people waiting behind you will understand that you're just being cautious.
Make sure that you stand directly in the centre of the step and hold on to each side to make sure you don't fall. Ignore anyone that tries to push past you and actually walk down them. They are not only endangering your life but also the lives of others due to the domino effect they would have if they fell.If you are riding on a wide escalator you may notice that people stand still on one side while the other is for foolhardy souls that try to walk up or down the moving steps. It is your duty to your fellow man to block this isle and prevent accidents. Trust me - people will be grateful that you are thinking of them.
As you approach the end of the escalator you may want to actually start walking slowly backwards so as not to come to to sudden a stop.
Of course after all this concentration you will have forgotten where it is you want to go. The end of an escalator is the perfect spot to stop and rest, collect your thoughts and figure out where it is you want to go. People will sometimes get angry at you for making them crash into you after this, but do not despair! Some people are just naturally grump and you can't please everyone can you. I find it best to ignore them and just stand there until you feel safe to move off again.
Often I find it is safest just to push the emergency stop button before riding escalators at all. I feel that most people would be grateful for the bonus exercise they get from this method. You can't be too cautious on escalators - they are very dangerous. If ever in doubt when on an escalator just scream and panic and someone will usually help you.
