Wedges for the platform gap if a leg gets caught?

“Mind the platform gap” is a caution that train commuters are familiar with because the gap between the trains and the station platforms can be big enough for one’s leg to get caught.

Despite this warning sounding whenever a train arrives at the stations, such mishaps, which can obviously hurt, still occur. (“NEL services delayed after student’s leg gets caught in platform gap”; March 12)

We should expect accidents as long as the gaps exist and people are careless. No matter how narrow the gap, there is a chance of someone’s leg slipping through; commuters do not have standard leg sizes.

Preparedness for rescue operations is therefore a must. The sight of a trapped commuter can make onlookers cringe. What then if the train coach sways? There must be some way to keep the coach still until rescue personnel arrive.

One way is to insert wedges in the gap immediately, to prevent it from narrowing. Perchance, the gap may widen because of the wedges, allowing one’s leg to be freed. Wedges could be made for ready use at the platforms.