Like anything else in life, riding an elevator carries a very small risk. However, the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation points out that many people have strong misconceptions as to how an elevator actually works.

TORO

Revolutionized the elevator industry by implementing a safety brake system to engage in the event of a hoist rope failure. Since then, technological advancements and industry regulations have vastly increased the safety of elevators. Today, elevators are supported by multiple cables, each of which is strong enough to carry more than the weight of a fully-loaded car. Outer doors capable of opening only when the elevator car is firmly settled in place make it virtually impossible to fall down a shaft. Speed governors and other devices work in tandem to guide cars safely to their destinations. Modern elevator cars are designated “safe rooms,” making them the safest place to be if the system should fail. Elevator cars have emergency phones and alarms, allowing passengers to call for help. They are not airtight, and stuck passengers are in no danger of running out of air.