While riding on the London Underground recently, the warning sign next to the emergency lever caught my attention.
Take a close look at the last line in the blue warning box. It reads: Do not take any risks
Ok, so in an emergency, on the London Underground — which in the event of an emergency is likely to be under ground — we are not supposed to take any risks.
Surely they can’t be serious?
Would be great if it read: “don’t be a hero” instead!
That’s a tough one to solve. If you’re in an emergency situation, there is probably some inherent risk in the circumstances themselves.
Is this circumspect admonition to not take any risks a way of suggesting that you ought to get out of that risky emergency situation?
I think something like “Don’t take unnecessary risks” would be appropriate. But, hey, if the train is on fire and the only way out is to break a glass window, I’d suggest that the risk of breaking the glass would be worth it — anti-risk advisory notice or not!