Vending machines deadlier than sharks – Income Protection
Sounds absurd doesn’t it? The statement reeks of a typical urban myth, but believe it or not, it is actually true. Yes that’s right, vending machines are far more deadly than sharks, up to a factor of four, if you believe some of the research and data collected (1).
When first looking into this urban myth, one wonders how people can actually die from a vending machine. Do people try and steal chips or cans of soft drink through the chute, then get their arm stuck, dying a slow and painful death due to starvation? After looking into things a little more, research states that vending machines actually topple over and crush people, and it’s particularly deadly for those of a smaller stature. In fact, you are more than twice as likely to be killed by a vending machine tipping over than to end up as shark bait (2).
Shark attacks in Australia
While the past 2 years have shown a slight increase in shark attacks due to warmer waters, the number of deaths has still remained nominal.
Despite the facts, the thought of a 30 foot white pointer still has us all grimacing. As the past has shown, most shark attacks only tend to dish out exploratory bites. Though this offers Aussie swimmers and surfers little comfort!
Vending machines deaths
Vending machines dispense injury and death when rocked or tilted by angry people or overzealous cheapskates trying to score a freebie. So the original thought of people trying to steal chips or cans of soft drink wasn’t too far from the truth!
As a result of the death’s accumulating over the years, vending machine company’s now bolt or screw vending machine’s to the floor or wall.
Protection against long term injury
Death may not always result from these strange yet unfortunate accidents, though serious injury is certain at one stage of our lives. That’s where income protection insurance can help. If you do happen to suffer from an accident or fall ill, income protection can offer you up to 75% of your salary (after the specified waiting period is fulfilled, usually around 30 days).
You may not be attacked by a shark this summer, or even have a vending machine fall on you, but you may suffer from a different accident. The summer season can bring about all kinds of accidents, like beer bottle accidents , diving accidents, surfing accidents, sporting accidents or even home improvement accidents. The end result is still the same, you may not be able to work for a number of months while still recovering, and you may need extensive medical treatment.
Protect yourself this summer with income protection
The funds from income protection insurance can help pay for medical, bills and living expenses. Contact xLife to find more or to receive free income protection quotes.
Source:
1. D. Emery, “Are Vending Machines Deadlier than Sharks?”, about.com, 2005
2. http://www.bookofodds.com/Accidents-Death/Accidental-Deaths/Articles/Sharks-or-Vending-Machines-Which-is-Deadlier
Exclusive Offer! Call xLife on 1300 135 205 today and
save up to 20% on your first year’s income protection premium.
October 2009
