Selfies: innocently vain habit, or your ticket to an untimely demise?
According to Mashable, more people have been killed by attempting to take selfies this year than by sharks. Granted, it’s just 12 selfie-related deaths to eight shark fatalities. But selfies have also been linked to plane crashes and people being hit by speeding trains.
That’s a lot of people not practicing safe selfies! So, if you’re thinking of taking a selfie, here are some things you should consider before you try.
1) Check your surroundings
Are you near a cliff? Oncoming traffic? In the middle of a swift current? Please, look both ways before taking a selfie.
2) Be responsible
Are you attempting to take a selfie while responsible for some other important task? Selfies should only be taken with one’s full attention.
VIDEO: Why you shouldn’t take a selfie at the wheel.
— Sun Motors (@SunmotorsUK) September 11, 2015
He’s lucky to be alive. #failhttp://t.co/uq1lDs019M pic.twitter.com/MZq7zam8Fj
3) Make sure the animals are trained
Taking a selfie with a family pet, or even at the zoo, can be an adorable way to up your Instagram favs—but remember to keep your distance from wild animals. And no, they do not train the bears at Yellowstone.
FYI: Kim Kardashian got attacked by an elephant: http://t.co/B2ljBps6gn pic.twitter.com/8vzz0maLSE
— Marie Claire (@marieclaire) April 2, 2014
4) Talk to your photo mates about practicing safe selfies
You may be incredibly safe, but if your partners aren’t practicing safe habits as well, it could affect you! Make sure everyone in the shot is alert and aware.
5) Secure your phone
There’s no use in going to all this trouble if you’re just going to drop your phone in a picturesque waterfall.
And remember, in case of an emergency, your selfie stick may be able to save your life.
Photo via daviegee/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
