this coupler LOOKS UNSAFE

why is this coupling which looks to disconnect considered one of the safest in railroad history. The Janney automatic coupler a mechanism that revolutionized rail transport. Previously to connect wagons a worker had to do it manually risking their life between moving trains. This system completely changed the process. Now it's enough to push the wagons towards each other and they couple automatically. The secret lies it resembles two clasped hands but the most unusual thing is that a small amount of play is deliberately left between the couplings. At first glance it seems as if the wagons are connected unreliably. However this is precisely where the main idea lies. This play absorbs jolts and impacts during train movement helps distribute the load evenly between wagons and thereby reduces damage and derailment.