As an ER nurse, witnessing the aftermath of accidents and risky behaviors is part of the daily grind. It's a job that provides a unique perspective on safety and the seemingly harmless habits that can lead to serious injury or worse. Karlie Tooley, a seasoned emergency room nurse from California, has taken to TikTok to share her professional insights, revealing a list of everyday activities she would never engage in due to their potential for fatal consequences. Her viral video has struck a chord, amassing over a million views from people eager to learn how to avoid preventable disasters.

Tooley's first piece of advice is a resounding no to riding motorcycles. Despite the allure of the open road and the wind in your hair, she stresses that no amount of classes or driving skill can change the grim statistics of motorcycle versus vehicle collisions. The risks are simply too high, and the outcomes too often tragic.


Another tip that might surprise many is the danger of resting your feet on the dashboard while riding as a passenger in a car. Tooley paints a vivid picture of the catastrophic injuries that can occur in the event of a crash – hips and pelvis shattered, a scenario no one wants to experience.


The nurse also touches on a less obvious hazard: driving with a full bladder. It might seem like a minor inconvenience to stop for a bathroom break, but Tooley warns that a full bladder can become a ticking time bomb in a car accident, with the potential for serious internal damage.


Water safety is another critical area, especially concerning young children. Tooley advocates for the absolute necessity of having a gate around a pool. The haunting sound of a mother's grief after losing a child to drowning is something she can't put into words, and it's a sound she implores parents to take every measure to prevent.

When it comes to children's activities, Tooley is adamant about helmet use. No matter the peer pressure or the short distance, helmets are non-negotiable for her children on bikes or scooters. Protecting their heads is a priority that she urges all parents to adopt.

Lastly, Tooley addresses a specific but dangerous practice: using a chainsaw while on a ladder. It's a scenario that might seem manageable to the overconfident DIYer, but she has witnessed the horrific consequences firsthand, including the loss of limbs. It's a stark reminder that some shortcuts simply aren't worth the risk.


The response to Tooley's video has been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers expressing gratitude for the eye-opening advice. Many were unaware of the dangers she highlighted, such as the risks associated with a full bladder while driving. Others shared personal testimonies, like the story of a husband who survived a bicycle collision thanks to a helmet, reinforcing the importance of Tooley's recommendations.

For our members at the Seniors Discount Club, these insights from the frontline of emergency care are invaluable. As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable, and what might have been a minor injury in our youth can have more severe consequences now. It's crucial to take proactive steps to ensure our safety and the safety of our loved ones.

You can watch Karlie’s full video here:


We invite you to reflect on these tips and consider how you can incorporate them into your daily life. Have you had experiences that echo Nurse Tooley's advice? Are there safety measures you've taken that others might benefit from knowing? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below. Let's use this opportunity to learn from each other and prioritize our well-being, because prevention is always better than cure.