This Everyday Habit Has Already Caused More Deaths Than Shark Attacks This Year

Selfies are now responsible for more deaths than shark attacks worldwide. The news comes as a 66-year old Japanese tourist has died, and his travel companion injured, after falling down stairs while attempting to take a selfie at the Taj Mahal. According to Mashable, the elderly man’s death raises the selfie toll this year to 12 – which is more than the eight deaths as a result of fatal shark attacks. The leading cause of selfie deaths were those who fell while using their phone (four), followed by those who were hit or injured by trains. The individuals were either killed by being hit by a train or attempting to take a photo by getting on dangerous equipment. Image: Mashable In a bid to curb the dangerous activity, many of the world’s leading tourist spots are now outlawing selfie-taking to keep visitors safe. Amongst those introducing the ban are the Tour de France, the Russian Interior Ministry, and a number of European zoos. The Russian Interior Ministry have even released a brochure, warning against selifes. According to Al Jazeera, the pamphlet reads: "Before taking a selfie, everyone should think about the fact that racing after a high number of 'likes' could lead him on a journey to death and his last extreme photo could turn out to be posthumous.” H/T Mashable, Al Jazeera