The True Dangers of Taking Selfies

Thursday, December 10, 2015

The True Dangers of Taking Selfies

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Selfies are all the rage these days. They are no longer just about snapping a photograph of yourself, but increasingly about where and with whom or what a selfie is taken. From trying to get a picture of yourself with a famous celebrity to posing in the foreground of well-known landmarks, selfie-takers seem to be attempting to “up the ante” with regards to the intrigue of their self-directed photographs. Some have even become fond of taking selfies with illegal materials and substances, such as drugs and guns.

While this may seem mostly harmless to the general public – and largely is – there are some dangers that are now being attached to the practice of selfies, not the least of which is people taking selfies while driving. Some have even come to consider them a serious risk to public health, as they have been associated with numerous serious injuries and deaths in the United States.

The Real Dangers of Selfies

In the United States, there have indeed already been several deaths associated with selfies. In Texas, a 19-year old man accidentally shot and killed himself after taking a selfie with a loaded gun. In Yellowstone National Park, there were five reported deaths caused by individuals taking selfies from dangerous heights or standing too close to bison.

Why the Interest in Selfies?

In 2014, the selfie took hold, and more individuals started posting their selfies (whether safe or not) on social media. This movement is why 2014 is also known as “The Year of the Selfie.” Selfies became largely about pushing new boundaries and showing off inner personalities that individuals may be unable to show in public. There are some individuals, however, that will go to great lengths to take a great selfie – regardless if it hurts themselves or puts others at risk. There have been – and continue to be – instances where individuals have taken selfies while driving, despite having children or passengers in the vehicle.

Not only can selfies be a safety risk, but they can hinder people from properly respecting the landmarks and monuments some of them pose in front of. In some instances, people are damaging monuments and attractions in order to get their high-traffic selfie, too consumed with the responses they will receive that they do not think seriously about the consequences of their dangerous or destructive behaviors.

When Selfies Go Wrong

Unfortunately, the selfie movement has created a group of individuals that engage in reckless behaviors just to get the next best photo. If you are injured because of an individual who put their selfie above your own safety, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether the injury occurred at work, in a car accident, or some other space, you have rights. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Malman Law today for a free consultation regarding your injury at 888-836-5975 or fill out an online contact form.