Sharks attacks are actually a rare incident. There are 489 shark species, however, only three are responsible for a number of fatal, unprovoked attacks on humans: the white shark, tiger shark, and bull shark.
There is an article published by Scuba Diving Magazine, that presents a detailed list and pictures of everyday items that actually kill more people per year than sharks. Here, we have summarized the list for you.
SELFIES
Taking selfies may seem harmless, but it can actually be quite dangerous. In 2015 alone, while sharks claimed the lives of 8 people, selfies and selfie sticks tragically led to the deaths of 12 individuals.
Shockingly, half of these fatalities occurred because people were so engrossed in capturing the perfect shot that they lost their balance and fell, resulting in serious injuries or even death.
This phenomenon has become so concerning that there have been documented cases of selfies ending in tragedy, highlighting the need for caution when indulging in this popular activity.
HOT DOGS
Did you know that hot dogs, as tasty as they are, can sometimes pose a serious risk, especially for kids? Sadly, each year, about 77 children lose their lives because they choke while trying to eat a hot dog.
It’s a heartbreaking fact that highlights the importance of being careful with what we eat, especially when it comes to small and easily swallowed items like hot dogs. So, next time you enjoy a hot dog, make sure to take small bites and chew carefully to stay safe and prevent accidents.
ESCALATORS
Escalators, those convenient moving stairs we often use, can be surprisingly risky? In fact, every year, around 10,000 people get hurt on escalators! That’s way more injuries than those caused by shark attacks, which are only about 10 per year.
These accidents usually happen because people’s clothes get stuck or tangled in the escalator’s moving parts, leading to some pretty serious injuries.
It’s like getting caught in a big, scary machine! So, next time you hop on an escalator, remember to be extra careful, watch your step, and make sure your clothes are safe. After all, we want everyone to stay happy and injury-free while getting around!
TOILETS
About 42 deaths a year occur from falling from the toilet or children drowning in it, so it is advisable to take precautions to avoid tragic accidents in bathrooms.
HIPPOS
Did you know that hippos are responsible for around 2,900 fatalities every year? Yep, you read that right! These hefty creatures might seem harmless as they lounge in the water, but they can be quite aggressive, especially when they feel threatened or when their little ones are around.
Picture this: you’re out on a calm river, enjoying the scenery, when suddenly, a hippo decides to investigate your boat. With its massive size, even a curious nudge can spell trouble, leading to accidental capsizing and, in some unfortunate cases, fatalities.
But here’s the kicker: it’s not just curiosity that drives hippos to interact with humans. These creatures have a territorial streak a mile wide, and they won’t hesitate to defend their turf, especially when their babies are nearby. This protective instinct can turn deadly, as hippos charge with surprising speed and force.
So, the next time you’re near a river in hippo territory, remember to keep your distance and give these powerful animals the space they need. It’s all about respecting nature and staying safe!
VENDING MACHINES
Every year the vending machines cause the death of 13 people, by falling on them and crushing them.
Normally this happens when people hit it hard when products are stuck.
WATER HEATERS
Improperly configured water heaters might seem harmless, but they can actually be quite dangerous, leading to an average of 100 deaths each year.
It’s a startling reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and care when it comes to household appliances. Scalding accidents caused by water heaters set at incorrect temperatures can result in tragic consequences, highlighting the need for vigilance and caution in our daily lives.
By ensuring that water heaters are correctly installed and maintained, we can help prevent such avoidable accidents and keep our homes safe for everyone.
BEDS
Falling out of bed is a more common danger than you might think! Every year, about 450 people tragically lose their lives from falling out of bed.
Hospitals report that young children and the elderly are at the highest risk due to their lack of stability.
For the elderly, factors like mobility issues and changes in sleep patterns can increase the likelihood of falls, while young children may be more prone to rolling off beds during sleep. It’s a reminder of the importance of creating safe sleeping environments, especially for those most vulnerable.”
COCONUTS
Coconuts, those delicious tropical treats, can also be surprisingly dangerous? It’s true!
Every year, about 150 people tragically lose their lives from falling coconuts. These seemingly harmless fruits can weigh up to 2 kilos, and when they plummet from towering palm trees, they unleash a force equivalent to a ton!
It’s like nature’s own deadly weapon raining down from above. So, next time you’re relaxing under a palm tree, be sure to keep an eye out for falling coconuts! They may be a tasty snack, but they’re also a potential hazard.
Stay safe out there, and remember to watch out for those coconuts!
CHAMPAING CORKS
They causes 24 deaths per year. 1/3 of those accidents occur on weddings.
The vast majority of them occur at weddings.
As you can see, there is more chance of dying due to one of these 10 things than as a result of a shark attack.
What if we compare sharks with other animals?
When discussing the most deadly animals, it’s essential to consider various factors beyond sheer aggression or size. While sharks often capture the spotlight due to their portrayal in media, they are not the most lethal creatures on Earth.
In fact, mosquitoes claim the title of the deadliest animal, responsible for millions of human deaths each year through the transmission of diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
Comparatively, sharks are responsible for a significantly lower number of fatalities, with only a handful of shark-related deaths reported annually worldwide.
Despite their fearsome reputation, sharks primarily play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. While encounters with sharks can be dangerous, they are relatively rare and often avoidable with proper precautions.
Understanding the true threats posed by various animals helps put into perspective the relative risks associated with interactions in the natural world.
Sharks attacks are not as common as we think
Around 80 unprovoked shark attacks are reported worldwide every year and there are only an average of 5 shark-related deaths per year.
According with the Australian Shark Attack File for unprovoked attacks in Australia and the International Shark Attack File for unprovoked attacks in all other regions (Last Updated: 19 February 2015) there has been only 439 fatal attacks since 1958.
Sharks are beautiful ! but they have been misunderstood. “They are insanely powerful and beautiful creatures that deserve more than ignorance.”
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