Social media showcases dangerous driving, leading to serious accidents and prompting police action across Europe.
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Social media frequently features videos from inside expensive or modified cars, showing first-person views of steering wheels, revving engines, and high-speed night drives by cars or motorcycles, often accompanied by displays of speed, sudden acceleration, braking, and dangerous maneuvers, turning driving into online “shows.” For many unaware drivers, personal safety and the safety of passengers and bystanders are secondary to going viral. A serious accident on Poseidonos Avenue in Glyfada last week resulted in three deaths and two injuries when a group’s car violently hit a hotel retaining wall; investigations revealed the occupants were live-streaming the event on TikTok. This is not an isolated incident, as many users showcase dangerous driving habits, but this recent tragedy highlights a growing danger across Greek and European roads. The text cites numerous examples of reckless driving incidents, including arrests for excessive speed and dangerous maneuvers, suggesting the Glyfada accident was part of a wider trend. While video evidence alone doesn’t prove wrongdoing (as it might be filmed by passengers or fixed mounts), the law strictly prohibits drivers from filming or live-streaming while operating a vehicle without proper mounting, with penalties under the new Traffic Code including fines and license/registration suspension. Experts stress that modern legislation is insufficient; addressing the issue requires tackling youth involvement in dangerous driving, noting increased risk when young people are present. Furthermore, some driving instructors have been observed recording students for promotional purposes, setting a poor example. Internationally, concerning trends include five teenagers dying in a reckless crash in Ireland involving high-speed maneuvers to evade police, and “car surfing” in Austria, where adolescents perform dangerous stunts on moving vehicles. In the Czech Republic, political figures known for extreme speeding while filming themselves have faced criticism and backlash from supporters who shared similar videos.
