Subway question for New Yorkers

Another person was killed yesterday on NYC's subway tracks. He was pushed and then was run over by a train. It was a tragic event, and one seen all too often on the subways.

But every time this happens, I wonder about something. We (NY'ers) have all stood on subway platforms, waiting endlessly for trains. In those off-moments, when you look across the tracks to the platform on the other side, you see a space under the platform. Looks fairly roomy, too.

So why can't someone who is on the tracks and sees a train coming, scoot into the relative shelter of the space under the platform? It seems to me that would keep a person safe. No? It's been a while since I was on a subway platform. What do you think? Is this possible?

Sordid tales from the Wordsmith Shelter

Someone smuggled in an iPhone and we're all having a relapse! We're fighting over who can play the game! And we've got the counselor tied up!

I've got the iPhone now and I'm wasting my playing time by contacting you this way. But I had to get the word out:

Major relapse at the Wordsmith Shelter! Someone tell someone!