Selfie-related deaths outnumber shark attack deaths in 2015

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- A tally of selfie-related incidents leading to deaths this year comes with a startling revelation -- selfie deaths in 2015 outnumber deaths from shark attacks.

The number of shark attack deaths compiled by website Shark Attack Survivors thus far in 2015 stands at eight, while the number of selfie-related deaths compiled by Mashable.com reached 12 this month after a Japanese tourist fell down the stairs at India's Taj Mahal while attempting to take a selfie.

The leading cause of deaths from selfie-related incidents was falling, while the next leading cause was train-related accidents while attempting to take self-portrait photos.

The Russian Interior Ministry launched a  "Safe Selfie" campaign in July that included a pamphlet with illustrations of dangerous selfie-taking behavior, while photo-aiding selfie-sticks were banned at events including the Kentucky Derby, Wimbledon and music festivals Coachella and Lollapalooza.

A man attempting to take a selfie video while driving in his Jeep earlier this month rear-ended another vehicle and had a canoe crash through his windshield. The man was not injured, but he branded the incident a "PSA" warning against distracted driving.