Some of the dangerous things your mother said you should never do:

Run with scissors.
Play with fire.
Jump on the bed.
Play with knives.
Stick a fork in the toaster.
Eat off the floor.
Use bungee cords.

Okay. She never said anything about bungee cords. Who would have thought that this everyday household device has the potential to inflict serious injuries including the loss of an eye and your vision?

They’re inexpensive, easy to use and they are everywhere. They can be found in almost every home, business and recreational vehicle. They’re used to tie down or secure items, act as barriers, hold items in place and restrain cargo. They are easy to use, even one handed.

Because a bungee cord is usually stretched under tremendous tension, the sudden unexpected release discharges a massive force of speeds up to 60 miles per hour and can produce significant injury or damage. Be sure that the victim of an accident involving a bungee cord is seen by an eye care specialist or medical professional immediately.

Be aware that breakage most often occurs when

-the hook slips from the user’s hand as it’s being stretched into place
-the hook disengages from the attachment point
-the attachment structure fails
-the hook straightens out
-the cord itself breaks
-the hook detaches from the cord

Some preventative measures include:
-always use extreme caution when stretching the bungee cord over a load
-ensure the hook ends are securely fastened
-never extending the cord beyond its capacity of length or load
-keep your face and other vulnerable body parts out of the cord’s rebound path
-never use bungee cords restrain an item that is susceptible to air movement or wind

So keep in mind, your mother would have told you not to play with bungee cords if she knew then what we know now.