Staying Safe While Taking Selfies

Capturing a shot of ourselves in the most impressive, gorgeous places on earth can feel like an uncontrollable compulsion. But taking selfies can be dangerous, and even deadly without the right safety protocols in place. According to a selfies study from researchers associated with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, more than 250 people died while taking selfies over six years. And that number only accounts for people who lost their lives to the selfie craze and doesn’t account for injuries.

But that doesn’t mean you need to swear off selfie-taking for good. Follow some common sense and prioritize safety the next time you’re ready to snap that perfect shot. Here are some selfie-taking safety tips to live by.

Ask Yourself One Key Question
Before you inch your way onto the edge of a cliff or intersection to take a selfie, ask yourself, “Could standing here and doing this hurt me, or even kill me?” If the answer is yes, then the selfie just isn’t worth it. Get a shot standing a few feet away from that cliff or traffic and still get the shot you want.

Follow the Rules
Rules are posted everywhere from national parks to major museums and attractions for a reason. Don’t pass by all the warning signs and venture out onto rocky, unstable terrain to get that perfect shot. The same thing goes for standing in the middle of an intersection, a rooftop, or balcony under construction to take that coveted selfie.

Reimagine the Selfie
Instead of obsessing over your next selfie, bring along a portable tripod or hire a photographer for an afternoon to take all of your favorite shots for you. You can keep your hands free, focus on your safety and well-being, and still get the most brilliant photographs without compromising your safety.