Calls are escalating for stricter regulations on social media companies to combat the proliferation of dangerous driving stunts, after two recent tragedies claimed 12 lives. The trend, where individuals film themselves engaging in high-risk driving behavior for online engagement, has drawn the attention of government officials.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard announced that the government has formally requested social media platforms to remove videos that glorify reckless driving. "I want to see social media companies step up," Pollard stated, emphasizing that if platforms cannot self-regulate effectively, the government will utilize the powers within the Online Safety Act to compel content removal. He added that algorithms amplifying such content exacerbate the problem, and platforms should proactively remove dangerous material rather than allowing it to gain traction.
These calls follow a catastrophic head-on collision on the A66 in Teesside that resulted in the deaths of two police officers and five young drivers. PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were in an unmarked vehicle when they were struck by a car carrying the five individuals, all in their late teens and early twenties. Another police car had previously been pursuing the group but had called off the chase. One of the deceased teenagers, Makai Saddington, had reportedly posted multiple videos on TikTok appearing to show him involved in police chases.
In a separate incident last week, five teenagers died when their vehicle collided with a family car on the M9 in County Kildare, Ireland. The five teens were reportedly driving the wrong way down the motorway. The crash brought renewed attention to a car theft group known as the 'Lucky Dip' gang, believed to be responsible for numerous vehicle thefts for the purpose of joyriding and filming stunts.
Experts express deep concern over the phenomenon. Becky Guy, senior policy manager for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, stated that "no amount of likes, views or online attention is worth the risk of death or severe injury." Nicholas Lyes, director of policy at IAM RoadSmart, noted a perceived sense of invincibility among young drivers who openly disregard road safety rules.
The incidents highlight a broader issue. Earlier this year, 21-year-old Liberty Mitchell was jailed after filming herself speeding on Snapchat before causing a crash that killed a taxi driver and his passenger. Footage showed her using a 'cute' filter while her speedometer climbed rapidly. In another case, two men were jailed for a combined 23 years after filming themselves driving at 139 mph in a 30 mph zone while inhaling nitrous oxide, leading to a fatal collision.
George Taylor, 17, was jailed for 26 months after filming himself driving with his knees shortly before crashing into a stationary vehicle, leaving Catherine Davies paralyzed. A drug dealer, John Scott, was also jailed for filming himself speeding at 119 mph while serving a five-year driving ban.
Social media platforms are responding to the scrutiny. TikTok stated it is monitoring content related to the M9 crash and removing videos that violate its rules against glorifying violence or promoting criminal activity. Snapchat has been contacted for comment.