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Some mundane things seem harmless at a first glance, and while a few of them actually are, others can be quite hazardous to one’s well-being. Not realizing that often leads to people failing to take necessary precautions and—consequently—paying the price.

Members of the ‘Ask Reddit’ community recently discussed such instances after the redditor ‘u/Deviant55’ asked them what’s a really dangerous thing that everyone treats like it’s safe. The netizens’ answers covered everything from stress and loneliness to sun and sugar, showing that something people often consider humdrum can be pretty dangerous. Scroll down to find more of their answers on the list below.

#1

“Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Vaping

Spiritual_Pilot_221 , Ruslan Alekso Report

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Id row
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Vaping helped me quit smoking after 25 years. My chest doesn't hurt anymore, I don't cough, I don't smell...the benefits have been amazing.

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    #3

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t The old folks running the US government.

    nickygee123 , JessicaRodriguezRivas Report

    #4

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t 40+ hour work weeks. I shouldn’t see my coworkers more than my family and friends.

    Tac0p0wers , Mikhail Nilov Report

    #5

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Sun burns would be treated much differently if they were called by their true name, radiation burns.

    KiethTheBeast89 , burmistrovaiuliia Report

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    The only Plueschopossum
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yesterday I overheard someone brag about how you will NEVER find sunscreen in their suitcase and making fun of another person using sunscreen while sitting in a boat on a very sunny day. For a moment I considered arguing with them but then left it alone. I think it's no use...

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    #7

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Texting and driving.

    OTFfanaticRunRepRow , Norma Mortenson Report

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    Will Cable
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I still find it odd that touchscreens are allowed in cars...Totally agree with NOT texting while driving but having functions to operate a car via touchscreen seems insane

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    #8

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Child birth for both mother and child

    karlmeile , Jonathan Borba Report

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    Manusha Kanis
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes Thank you, people can be very weird about that. I got an illness that makes me unable to fully care for myself, I was told to go make a baby, that would make my body all healthy again...

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    #9

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t The heat. I feel like people still dismiss it way too easily.

    I had a massive heat stroke about 5 years ago and it almost took me out; my body will never be the same. It went through so much trauma, that it now works harder to keep me cool making me even more susceptible to heat-related emergencies.

    Conscious-Tip-3896 , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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    devotedtodreams
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This! Every time a heat wave rolls around, people are all like: "BuT iT's SuMmEr" Dude, just because you happen to like it doesn't mean it's not dangerous, and not everyone can handle the heat (well). I wonder if something horrible has to happen first before it's taken more seriously by everyone (including employers)... like, what does it take, a horrific death toll due to heat? Sheesh! (Personally, I loathe heat and consequently summers - born in it, unfortunately, but I'm a winter's child in my heart and soul ♥)

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    #11

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Stress

    ljmudit , Anna Shvets Report

    #12

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Wild animals

    I was in Thailand when a 30 year old got bitten by a monkey. Her complaint? No one had warned her not to pet the monkeys. Honest to God.

    happyele , Dmitriy Zub Report

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    Harley
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does someone want to tell her that she also shouldn’t try and spank the Monkey?

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    #13

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t I get a lot of tourists in my area trying to casually summit the local 14,000ft mountain in sandals. Some weeks in the summer are absolutely nuts for search and rescue and the emergency room staff. 

    It’s frankly disturbing how common this kind of interaction is. But a lot of people don’t have the exposure to nature to really understand that the elements can and will endanger you at the drop of a hat.

    pas-mal- , Paxson Woelber Report

    #14

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t animals

    like they're cool and all but like they're still animals, it's not a reason to try and get up close to them, there's a reason that safari tours stop 200 feet away from the animal, there's a reason that zoos have glass and metal bars separating you and the animal. just because an animal is USED to be people doesn't mean you should get up close to it.

    same thing with pets, pets have the restraint to not ACTUALLY try and hurt you if you bug them because they love you and know you are not trying to hurt them but they are still capable of enforcing boundaries, meaning don't act like your pet won't bite or scratch you or a kid when the kid is messing with his face or actively causing pain or fear without intent.

    too many animals were killed or labeled as dangerous because humans assumed they didn't have boundaries.

    ThanosWifeAkima-4848 , Git Stephen Gitau Report

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    Aknavi Epona
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think the biggest problem here is that most people have the urge to "humanize" animals, ignoring its needs and instincts and what I see most the inability to read the animals body language. That's where the root of most problems lies when it comes to pets. If you are stupid enough to think you can hug a wild animal you deserve to get in trouble.

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    #15

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Water on the road. You *might* be able to drive through it, but more often than not you shouldn't try to.

    llcucf80 , U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Report

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    Daniela Lavanza
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The point is that you don't need a high level of water to drown your motor. 15 cm can be enough.

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    #16

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Revealing personal information about yourself on the internet.

    felix66789 , cottonbro studio Report

    #17

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Long hair around pulleys and belts.

    There’s a YouTube channel where two young ladies are working around a sawmill with long hair, and I can’t count how many times people have begged them in the comments to tuck their hair up. They don’t.

    VSM1951AG , ohsinsider Report

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    Alexia
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also, wearing very long scarves around your neck. It may be fancy and romantic to have the scarf flowing around you as you walk, but imagine it gets caught in an escalator. I witnessed such a scene in a subway station.

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    #18

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Blunt kitchen knives. One might think, oh this is just a flat piece of steel but cutting becomes tearing and crushing. The extra force this takes can easily send the knife off in an unintended direction in a swift and uncontrollable manner. Then you find out what a flat piece of steel can do to your fingers.

    hi-bb_tokens-bb , Kai Hendry Report

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    Deedee
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do woodworking as a hobby and have several times slipped. Once the knife jumped and stabbed my leg so badly that I had to go to the ER and get stitches. 99% of the scars are from blunt knives. Last year I got a high-quality whetstone and haven't had a problem since. Stay safe and remember that a dropped knife has no handle.

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    #19

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Everyday household cleaning chemicals. Especially if you mix them to make a 'better, stronger' cleaner.

    nocap9494 , Siyavula Education Report

    #20

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Going to a bar, drinking, and driving home. It's so goddamn casual.

    Hikash , Eliel Frances Etruiste Report

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    Me
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And the worst phrase these people say is like "it's my life and my risk"- no you dumbass idiot, there are other people on the streets!

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    #21

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Loneliness.

    The NHS (British health care system) did a study like this: develop a statistical definition of loneliness - a threshold of social connections, below which, yeah, the subject is pretty surely lonely.

    Examine the difference in death rate between people in the same demographic categories, who are lonely (as defined) or not lonely.
    Being lonely turns out to have about the same risk as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

    BobMacActual , Andrew Neel Report

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    Michael None
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So glad I developed a second personality years ago. Haven't been lonely since.

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    #22

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t The springs in your garage door.

    One of those yeeted itself across my garage, through two paint cans, and punched a hole in the drywall. We installed safety cables after that surprise.

    JacPhlash Report

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    #23

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t I say this as a passionate stoner: weed

    F****n hell its Addictive and it sure affects your psychological well-being. And smoking it is -well, Smoking in general- very unhealthy, Not only to your lungs, but also the cardiovascular system and your genes (yes, your genes).

    Huhngeheuer2 , RDNE Stock project Report

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    devotedtodreams
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've never touched the stuff and most likely never will. The stink alone is enough to keep me away >.<

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    #24

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t The bison living in Yellowstone.

    Radiant_Boss4342 , szeke Report

    #25

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Alcohol and benzos are some of the only substances that can physically cause death from withdrawal. One needs a script, and one I can get walking 10 minutes down the street.

    ladyroseycheeks , Etoileenflamme Report

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    Jared Robinson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've almost died several times from alcohol withdrawal. it's not fun. What they don't tell you about is how much it hurts. On

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    #26

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Infections. Every person reacts differently to them. Don't assume you are the average.

    ntfashionable2loveme , Prostock-studio Report

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    #28

    Excess sugar

    maroonlife Report

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    Black Cat
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sugar is more of a drug than a food. Foods shouldn't give you withdrawal symptoms.

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    #29

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Riding a horse is comparable with serious extreme sports, and head injuries are the most common.

    lnx84 , Iurii Laimin Report

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's why we wear the safety helmets. The people with severe head injuries are the ones who don't bother - which is incredibly stupid! There's a saying: "If you think your hairstyle is more important that your brain, you're probably right". I've been riding horses for almost 30 years now with minimal injuries. A few weeks ago I blew out my knee while sitting in my desk chair and pushing back with my leg. Maybe I need to give up working instead? :)

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    #30

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Animals. People taking selfies with wild animals or jumping into a lion exhibit at the zoo.

    Intelligent-Bar-1529 , World Animal Protection Report

    #31

    Child birth and pregnancy

    WolfWrites89 Report

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    Freya the Wanderer
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Childbirth is far more dangerous than a lot of people realize. And guess which of the developed nations has the worst maternal and infant mortality rate?

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    #32

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Cheap car seats for kids

    kittychuuuuu , pixnio Report

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    Billy Harrelson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a father I can't stress this enough. Don't go to the thrift store to buy a seat just because you "can't afford" a new one. You don't know what that used seat has been through. Once they're in an accident, whether the child was present or not, it's useless. Honestly, it should be illegal to resell old car seats. Spring for the new, in the box, seat.

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    #33

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Motorcycles, atv's, really anything without a cage around it. Even if you wear a helmet, the brunt of the impact force goes on your spinal column.

    Dino_vagina , Nick Wehrli Report

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    LovingKnuckle
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whenever we see someone on a motorcycle racing down the highway darting through traffic my dad calls them an organ donor.

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    #34

    Living paycheck-to-paycheck

    aenthovan Report

    #35

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Compressed air.

    I was once putting air in a car tire while on a road trip with a friend. After filling the last tire I handed him the tube and started screwing on the cap. For some dumb reason, he thought it would be funny to stick the air tube in my ear and turn it on.

    I couldn’t hear out of that ear for like 20 minutes and it hurt so much. I probably should have gone to the hospital but the pain went away almost instantly and my hearing came back so I just didn’t go.

    A_H0RRIBLE_PERSON , Although Report

    #36

    Those b******t carny rides at state fairs.

    grillmaster-shitcake Report

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    Stephanie Did It
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My ex had a part time job as a teen at a fairgrounds, assembling the big rides. He refused to ever get on one because he knew how bad they were.

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    #37

    ATV's

    Even if you are going very slow they can gently tip over sideways and crush you.

    At the hospital, any time we see "trauma, ATV" show up on the list there is a good chance it's going to be a terrible injury.

    ElephantEarTag Report

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    Steve
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Olympic Gold Medalist Amy Van Dyken-Rouen was paralyzed while on an ATV. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/olympic-gold-medalist-amy-van-dyken-severs-spine-in-accident/

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    #38

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Driving

    Diagmel , JESHOOTS.com Report

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    Arturo De la Rosa
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean yes, but it should be drivers. Statistically speaking the people around the drivers are in more danger

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    #39

    Binge drinking.

    Nice-Web583 Report

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    Ken_Jane
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We (South Africans) call Thursdays Phuza (drink) Thursdays... we're fine as a nation. Everything is fine

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    #41

    Not stopping for school bus stop sign.

    chars150 Report

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    #42

    Resin! It is toxic if not used with appropriate ventilation and equipment (including gloves and a mask) but everyone uses it for projects in their little apartment studios. Always stresses me out to see that.

    aceofflowerss Report

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    Jon E
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So right, I highly recommend a bong. The mask & gloves probably depends on how stoned you are.

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    #43

    Over the counter painkillers - They are easily abused and can cause liver and/or kidney damage.

    AZNM1912 Report

    #44

    Stairs

    rambisyouth21 Report

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    Bored Potato
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this reminds me of how multiple WWI officers died from falling down stairs in the trenches

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    #45

    Getting in the ocean

    EnvironmentalWay8173 Report

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    Ash
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I got caught in a riptide once and had to get rescued by a lifeguard. Undoubtedly the closest I have ever come to dying. And I had never heard of a riptide before.

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    #46

    For me? Walking. I trip all the time😂

    rainann2023 Report

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    Stephanie Did It
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Another chronic tripper/faller here. In the last 5 years I've broken a kneecap, three bones in my pelvis, a rib and gotten a concussion---all in separate spills. Thinking about using a cane just to be more aware of my steps.

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    #47

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t Escalators

    x_Jaymo_x , Philip Ackermann Report

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    Barbara Kayton
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And not wearing proper shoes on them (ie, crocs, flips flops) - they easily get sucked in, melt from the friction, and get sucked in further. Continually. With your feet in them. Crocs (or any shoe made of soft rubbery material are really dangerous, especially in the heat. People have ended up in emergency due to having them melt to their feet.

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    #48

    “Don’t Assume You Are The Average”: 45 People Discuss Things That Seem Safe But Actually Aren’t NSAIDs (gastrotoxic, nephrotoxic, cardiotoxic) and acetaminophen aka paracetamol (hepatotoxic). People take too many of them too often.

    Secure-Ad5734 , Mateus Hidalgo Report

    #49

    Living. You can get a brain aneurysm without any warning, cardiorespiratory stop for no reason, cardiac arrest, heart attack, asthma attack etc.

    Apprehensive-Sir7255 Report

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    Mona Stevenson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not sure who said this: life is OK, death is OK - it’s the transitions that are gawd-awful.

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    #50

    E Scooters. Speaking from experience

    CombinationSpare2646 Report

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    Freya the Wanderer
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have had a couple close calls with people riding these. One time when I was driving a bunch of them went right through a red light - in front of me! Zeesh!

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    #53

    Crosswalks. Been a part of a lot field trips and usually hear one teacher imply that crosswalks will keep you safe from cars.

    --Jimmy_Kudo-- Report

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    Robert T
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Safer. But to use them properly you still need to look and make sure the traffic has stopped!

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    #54

    Pandas

    kate-benson Report