Really TRUE odd factoids

[classic33]

According to some sources, the maximum penalty that can be imposed for drunk-driving in El Salvador is death by firing squad, even for a first offence.

 

[Jameshow]

The world’s first traffic light didn’t just direct traffic—it killed a man. London’s 1868 gas-powered 'innovation' ended in an explosion that killed it's police operator just weeks after installation.
It stalled further innovation in such systems for the next fifty years.

They should get rid of most of them esp in Shipley!

 

[matticus]

A 'small factoid' which only a few hundred million people know......

Do they know that "Reds under the bed" originated in America?
__________________
...and while I'm here, there is absolutely nothing in the definition/meaning of "factoid" specifying how few people are aware of it. So there!

 

[Andy in Germany]

They should get rid of most of them esp in Shipley!

Indeed: it's about time they replaced them with electric lights.

 

[Chris S]

MoT certificates are not required for vehicles being used on public roads in Unst, Yell, Fetlar, Skerries, Whalsay, Bressay, Fair Isle, Foula, Papa Stour or Forvik.

 

[Chris S]

Boys in the UK are more likely to own a smartphone than live with their father.

 

[Beebo]

Boys in the UK are more likely to own a smartphone than live with their father.

I suspect it isn’t true for under 8s. But Smart phone ownership is almost ubiquitous for anyone over 10.

 

[T4tomo]

I read this elsewhere and thought it was quite a stat, Adam Gilchrist made 96 consecutive test match appearances for Australia.

He made his debut in 1999 and retired from Intl cricket in 2008, having never been dropped or missing a test match thru injury of illness.

 

[Chris S]

The Drifters have had over 60 members since their formation.

 

[classic33]

 

[Chris S]

An octopus named 'Inky' escaped from the national aquarium in New Zealand by breaking out of its tank, slithering down a 50-metre drainpipe and disappearing into the sea.

 

[classic33]

The yearly change to BST has been linked to a 24% increase in heart attacks on the Monday after the change.

 

[Seevio]

The yearly change to BST has been linked to a 24% increase in heart attacks on the Monday after the change.

Is this down to people forgetting to change their clocks and suddenly realising they're an hour late for work?

 

[classic33]

The female record for most pull ups in one hour is 733 and was achieved by Australian police officer Jade Henderson, in Gold Coast, Australia, on 22 August 2025.

Edited to correct
formost to for most

 

[raleighnut]

The female record formost pull ups in one hour is 733 and was achieved by Australian police officer Jade Henderson, in Gold Coast, Australia, on 22 August 2025.

Only because the beer was on a shelf.