Distracted driving is an epidemic on our roads today. With the rise of social media, more and more drivers are trying to film content for platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat while operating their vehicles. This dangerous trend is putting drivers and pedestrians at risk. As a driver or pedestrian, it’s important to understand the dangers of filming behind the wheel so you can avoid accidents.
Eyes Off the Road
The main risk of filming social media content behind the wheel is that the driver’s eyes are not focused on the road. Looking at a phone screen instead of traffic, even for just a few seconds, can lead to missing critical events, like a car braking suddenly or a pedestrian stepping into the street. At highway speeds, taking your eyes off the road for just 5 seconds means traveling the length of a football field blindfolded. Filming a social media video requires prolonged visual distraction, increasing the chances of a collision.
Impaired Reaction Time
In addition to visual distraction, filming behind the wheel leads to cognitive distraction as the driver focuses their mental energy on capturing compelling content instead of driving. This impaired reaction time makes it much harder to avoid dangerous situations on the roads. Studies show that texting while driving slows reaction times more than drinking and driving. The same slower reflexes apply when filming a social media clip behind the wheel.
Hands Off the Wheel
Many social media videos require drivers to take one or both hands off the steering wheel to hold a phone. This makes it harder to turn safely or react quickly in an emergency. Even just one hand off the wheel doubles the risk of a collision. Drivers filming elaborate videos can go extended periods with no hands on the wheel, unable to steer away from hazards or bring the vehicle under control.
Heightened Crash Risk
With eyes, hands and mental focus away from the driving task, it’s no surprise that filming social media content behind the wheel is linked to a drastically higher crash risk. One study found that videoing while driving increases the risk of a collision by 8 times compared to just talking on a cell phone. Another report revealed a 27 times higher risk of crashing while livestreaming versus focused driving. Drivers filming social media content pose a tremendous preventable danger to everyone sharing the roads.
Severe Collisions
The collisions that result from distracted driving due to filming social media are often severe. At highway speeds, drivers traveling blindly while filming can rear-end other vehicles, drift into oncoming traffic, run red lights or strike pedestrians with little warning or ability to stop. Additionally, drivers may be tempted to perform dangerous stunts like climbing out the window or heavy braking to capture exciting footage, which can also lead to catastrophic crashes. Preventable high-speed collisions frequently lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
If you have been injured in an accident with a distracted driver you suspect was making social media content while behind the wheel, talk to us today. You can visit our offices at the following locations:
- Westerville – 4151 Executive Pkwy, Suite 355, Westerville, OH 43081
- Mansfield – 33 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd, Mansfield, OH 44906
Call now for a free consultation on (866) 753-0919.
