It's that time of year again. Bob Dorigo Jones's 13th Annual Wacky Warning Label contest announced a winner: The "Drive 'N' Talk Speakerphone - Not for use while driving."
Runners up include:
• a motorized go-cart that warns "This product moves when used"
• a Bluetooth headset that cautions "Use of a headset that covers both ears will impair your ability to hear other sounds"
• a swine growth supplement labeled "for animal use only"
• and a pair of swim goggles that advises consumers "not [to] pull goggles away from face, as they may snap back and cause injury."
As John Stossel points out in this recent video clip, studies show that when people are overloaded with warning labels they quit reading them. Even more dangerously, they may miss entirely warnings that actually matter.
So why include them? To avoid getting sued!
Our entry last year didn't make the cut, but we're working on one for next year's contest. No doubt there will be no shortage of candidates.