If you jump in a falling lift will it save you?

We all know the scenario, we've seen it whilst watching cartoons. Wile E. Coyote has chased the Road Runner towards the edge of a cliff where an overhang breaks under his weight. As he plummets your young mind thinks; well, if he jumps at the last minute, surely that would cancel out his fall and prevent a coyote shaped hole from being made in the earth? It seems logical, right?

So, back to the real world. If you're in a lift (an elevator if you're from North America) that is hurtling to the ground, would a last-minute jump in the opposite direction save you from imminent death? The answer is no.

The lift is falling to the ground with so much speed, that any jump from you would only shave off a fraction. You may jump at exactly the right time, with as much power that your legs can muster, but it would unfortunately be futile.

In contrast to jumping, your best bet is to lie flat! Lift's have many safety procedures in place, one of which is a crumple zone underneath. Your best method of survival is to spread yourself out, picking your softest side and protect your head.