In 2015, there have been 12 selfie-related deaths, which means that there have been more deaths due to selfie accidents than due to shark attacks, according to Mashable.
Due to the rising number of selfie-related deaths, taking selfies as well as selfie sticks have been banned at some events and tourist attractions, according to the website syracuse.com.
The issue of self-related accidents has become so concerning that the Russian Interior Ministry reportedly issued a brochure warning that selfies “could cost you your life.” The brochure reportedly advised that people refrain from taking selfies with weapons, dangerous animals, or near ledges and trains, according to Al Jazeera.
Selfie sticks have reportedly officially been banned at Rome’s Colosseum, The Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C., New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, Britain’s National Gallery as well as many other locations.
Sixty-six-year-old Hideto Ueda was the most recent person to die due to a selfie accident, according to CBS Local. The Japanese tourist was reportedly visiting the Taj Majal in India and fell down a set of stairs while trying to take a selfie.
Four of the 12 selfie-related deaths were reportedly related to falling while the next leading cause was either being hit or injured by a vehicle.
One teen reportedly accidentally killed himself while trying to take a selfie with a gun earlier in September.
Selfie-related accidents are very real, as seen from comments made by social media users.
“While I was at a red light yesterday, I watched a kid take a selfie and trip on the curb by the road. What a weird plant we have become,” wrote social media suer beevillerunn.
