Young men drive dangerously for online fame
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The gist
Young men film illegal speeding for likes on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube. After seven deaths in a UK crash, officials demand platforms remove such content.
Background
A social media subculture has emerged where young men film themselves driving at illegal speeds and weaving through traffic, using hashtags like #fullsend and #gapping. These videos attract millions of views and can earn money. Recent fatal crashes in the UK and Ireland, where drivers were on the wrong side of the road, have prompted government and police action against platforms hosting such content.
How it unfolded
- Aug 16, 2026Five teenagers killed in Ireland when their car, traveling wrong way on M9, collided with another vehicle; some had previously posted reckless driving videos.
- Aug 19, 2026Irish lawmakers summon TikTok to answer questions about videos glorifying dangerous driving.
- Aug 22, 2026In the UK, two police officers and five young men die in a crash on the A66 in Teesside after a police chase; one victim may have posted fast-driving clips.
- Aug 24, 2026UK government urges TikTok and other platforms to remove videos celebrating dangerous driving; culture secretary seeks assurances from tech firms and Ofcom.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Andy Burnham called the trend 'truly reprehensible'; Lisa Nandy demands platforms proactively remove such content.
- Expert
- Sonia Livingstone says young men seek affirmation online, and the trend reflects a lack of other ways to shine.
- Analysts
- Joseph Ondrak notes infamy and subcultural influence are stronger drivers than monetization, with 'clippers' amplifying reach.
- Platforms
- TikTok says it removes videos that glorify violence or promote harmful activities, but clips remain easy to find.
Still unverified
Reports that one of the young men killed in the A66 crash previously posted fast-driving clips are unconfirmed; Cleveland police said there is no evidence filming was for TikTok.