14 Trends From the ’70s That Were More Dangerous Than Fun
The 1970s were a wild time—an era of experimentation, self-expression, and, let’s be honest, questionable safety standards.
From thrill-seeking activities to fashion choices that doubled as health hazards, many popular trends of the decade came with a hidden risk factor. Whether it was playing with fire (sometimes literally) or ignoring basic protective gear, these fads were more dangerous than fun.
Looking back, it’s a miracle so many of us made it through in one piece!
1. Lawn Darts
Lawn darts seemed like harmless backyard fun—until someone ended up with a skull injury. These oversized, weighted darts were basically tiny javelins, and they were responsible for numerous hospital visits before finally being banned in the late ’80s.
With sharp metal tips, they posed a significant risk, especially to kids. The game required precision and caution, but often resulted in chaos. It became evident that putting kids and metal projectiles together was a terrible idea.
2. Riding in the Back of a Pickup Truck
There was nothing cooler than cruising down the highway in the open bed of a pickup truck, wind in your hair and zero seat belts in sight. Unfortunately, this “trend” led to countless injuries and fatalities before stricter laws put an end to the risky rides.
The lack of restraint meant any sudden stop could send passengers flying. It was the ultimate test of balance and bravery, but also a recipe for disaster on the open road.
3. Lead-Filled Toys and Trinkets
From painted toy cars to lunchboxes, many popular ’70s items contained high levels of lead. Kids chewed on these objects without a second thought, unknowingly exposing themselves to toxic chemicals that could lead to serious health issues.
Lead poisoning symptoms were often overlooked, mistaken for other ailments. As awareness grew, parents were urged to rid their homes of these toxic toys. It was a wake-up call for consumer safety standards and child health.
4. Roller Skating Without Protective Gear
Roller rinks were packed with disco-loving skaters gliding across the floor with style—but without helmets, knee pads, or even common sense. One bad fall on those hard wooden floors could mean broken bones, chipped teeth, or worse.
The thrill of speed and groove of the music created a false sense of security. Injuries were common, and the lack of protection made it all the more dangerous. It was skating on thin ice, metaphorically.
5. Smoking Everywhere, All the Time
Cigarettes were glamorized in movies, TV shows, and even commercials, making smoking look like the ultimate cool-kid habit. With little public awareness about the dangers of tobacco, even restaurants, airplanes, and office buildings were filled with secondhand smoke.
Non-smokers had little refuge from the pervasive smoke, leading to health risks for everyone. It was a time when lighting up was synonymous with socializing, despite the hidden dangers lurking in every puff.
6. Clackers
Clackers were the ultimate hand-eye coordination toy—two acrylic balls attached to a string that you smacked together repeatedly. But if you played too hard, they had a nasty habit of shattering into sharp, flying plastic shards.
The thrill of mastering the rhythm was overshadowed by the risk of injury. Faces and eyes were particularly vulnerable. Parents eventually realized that giving their kids these was akin to handing them a time bomb.
7. No Seat Belts, No Problem
Wearing a seat belt was more of a suggestion than a rule in the ’70s. Many cars didn’t even come equipped with rear seat belts, and plenty of drivers ignored them altogether—until stricter safety regulations finally made buckling up a requirement.
The era’s free-spirited driving attitude overlooked basic safety. It wasn’t until the grim statistics of road fatalities rose that seat belts became seen as life-saving necessities rather than optional accessories.
8. Playing with Mercury
Science class experiments sometimes involved playing with liquid mercury, watching it roll around like magic. No one realized at the time that touching, inhaling, or accidentally ingesting the stuff was highly toxic.
Mercury’s mesmerizing properties belied its dangers. Teachers and students handled it casually, oblivious to the long-term health effects. This cavalier approach to a hazardous substance was a lesson in itself about the importance of chemical safety.
9. Platform Shoes
These towering shoes made everyone feel stylish and several inches taller—but they also made walking a challenge. Tripping, rolling ankles, and even full-blown tumbles were common side effects of this dangerously fashionable footwear.
The allure of height came with frequent mishaps. Walking required careful navigation to avoid spills. Despite the risks, platform shoes remained a staple of ’70s style, proving that sometimes, fashion is willing to suffer for the sake of flair.
10. Hitchhiking Without a Second Thought
In the spirit of adventure (and lacking other transportation), hitchhiking was a normal way to get around in the ’70s. While it seemed like harmless fun at the time, it carried serious risks—ones that many people learned about the hard way.
Trusting strangers for a ride could lead to unforeseen dangers. Stories of hitchhiking gone wrong began to circulate, highlighting the need for safer travel options and awareness of personal safety.
11. Backyard Fireworks Shows
Fireworks weren’t just for the Fourth of July—many families set off their own backyard displays with little regard for safety. The lack of regulations meant more accidents, burns, and unexpected trips to the emergency room.
Errant fireworks could easily start fires or cause injuries. The thrill of the spectacle often overshadowed the potential for harm. As safety awareness grew, stricter guidelines and public displays became the norm.
12. Trampolines Without Safety Nets
Bouncing on a trampoline was pure joy—until someone miscalculated a landing and went flying onto the ground. With no padding, netting, or safety precautions, trampolines of the ’70s were an orthopedic surgeon’s worst nightmare.
The unrestrained leaps invited broken bones and sprains. Parents watched nervously as kids flipped and tumbled. It was a fun yet fraught activity, highlighting the need for safer recreational equipment in homes.
13. Riding Bikes Without Helmets
Helmets weren’t considered essential in the ’70s, and most kids sped around on their bikes completely unprotected. One wrong move on gravel or a miscalculated jump often led to painful scrapes, bruises, or even concussions.
The freedom of the open road was marred by frequent falls. It took years of advocacy and safety campaigns to make helmets a standard safety measure, protecting young riders from the risks of their carefree biking exploits.
14. Cooking with Asbestos-Lined Oven Mitts
Asbestos was everywhere in the ’70s, including in common household items like oven mitts and ironing boards. The fire-resistant material seemed like a great idea—until people realized it was also highly toxic when inhaled.
Cooking and cleaning became hazardous chores due to asbestos exposure. The material’s dangers were long hidden, leading to health warnings and eventual bans. It was a sobering reminder that not all innovations are as safe as they appear.