Common sense keeps most of us out of emergency rooms, physical-rehab facilities and funeral homes.
Because of the mindless and frequently litigious few, however, legally phrased and posted advice is necessary on virtually anything even remotely dangerous.
Product warning labels, for example, exist solely to prevent idiots from injuring or killing themselves or others.
You all remember the woman who successfully sued McDonald’s for neglecting to warn her that the hot coffee she spilled in her lap would scald her.
Duh.
That case—and others—prompted annual competitions to produce the wackiest warnings on American products.
This year’s winners are “Danger. Avoid Death” on a small tractor, “Do not iron while wearing shirt” on an iron-on transfer and “Do not put child in bag” on a stroller’s small storage pouch.
This year’s loser was common sense. (6 JANUARY 2008)
