restaurants.
**Safety is another important reason.** The opening makes it easier to see whether a stall is occupied by checking for someone’s feet, reducing awkward attempts to open an occupied door. More importantly, it may help others notice if someone inside has collapsed or needs assistance, allowing staff to respond more quickly.
Finally, the gap can be surprisingly useful in everyday emergencies. If someone runs out of toilet paper, another person can pass a spare roll underneath the door without entering the stall. Although many people would prefer greater privacy, the design remains popular because it combines convenience, affordability, maintenance, and safety. **What feels like an annoying design flaw is actually a practical compromise** that helps public restrooms function more efficiently.
