{"id":5105,"date":"2026-08-24T12:38:13","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T12:38:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/sharing-dangerous-driving-videos-is-truly-reprehensible-pm-says\/"},"modified":"2026-08-24T12:38:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T12:38:13","slug":"sharing-dangerous-driving-videos-is-truly-reprehensible-pm-says","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/sharing-dangerous-driving-videos-is-truly-reprehensible-pm-says\/","title":{"rendered":"Sharing dangerous driving videos is &#8216;truly reprehensible&#8217;, PM says"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Sharing dangerous driving videos is &#8216;truly reprehensible&#8217;, PM says<\/p>\n<div data-block=\"headline\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-usmnse-Spacer e1aon0op0\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"byline\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"multi-byline\"><span><span class=\"ssrcss-16u1n8p-TextContributorName epw3ir01\">Alex Smith<\/span><\/span><span><span class=\"ssrcss-1ai8n1t-Text e1xjs3jz0\">&nbsp;<!-- -->and<!-- -->&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"ssrcss-16u1n8p-TextContributorName epw3ir01\">Zoe Kleinman<\/span><span class=\"ssrcss-1ai8n1t-Text e1xjs3jz0\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\">,&nbsp;<\/span>Technology editor<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"metadata\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"metadata\">\n<div>\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-9tw7r1-MetadataStripContainer eh44mf03\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-10q9h22-GroupChildrenForWrapping eh44mf02\">\n<li role=\"listitem\" class=\"ssrcss-sf7vdp-MetadataStripItem eh44mf01\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-m5j4pi-MetadataContent eh44mf00\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pvwv4b-MetadataSnippet e4wm5bw3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-61mhsj-MetadataText e4wm5bw1\"><time data-testid=\"timestamp\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T09:42:17.199Z\">24 August 2026, 10:42 BST<\/time><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1ey53kj-MetadataSnippetWrapper exhp0uq0\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pvwv4b-MetadataSnippet e4wm5bw3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-61mhsj-MetadataText e4wm5bw1\"><time data-testid=\"timestamp\" datetime=\"2026-08-24T12:28:16.457Z\">Updated 7 minutes ago<\/time><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\"><b class=\"ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3\">The government has urged social media companies to remove posts celebrating dangerous driving, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham branded sharing them &#8220;truly reprehensible&#8221;.<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Earlier Defence Minister Luke Pollard told BBC Breakfast on Monday that &#8220;social media companies could take the content down easily and adjust their algorithms to stop it being distributed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Two police officers died when a car going the wrong way down a dual carriageway crashed into their vehicle near Middlesbrough on Saturday. The five passengers in the other car were also killed. <\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">A TikTok account believed to belong to one of the five passengers, 18-year-old Makai Saddington, shared videos appearing to show dangerous driving, which have since been removed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-1uy5kw5-FullWidthWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-hc6arm-StyledFigure e34k3c22\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pflr6j-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/9c49\/live\/0a91a030-9f97-11f1-aed2-8d6da8d75094.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/9c49\/live\/0a91a030-9f97-11f1-aed2-8d6da8d75094.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/9c49\/live\/0a91a030-9f97-11f1-aed2-8d6da8d75094.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/9c49\/live\/0a91a030-9f97-11f1-aed2-8d6da8d75094.jpg.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/9c49\/live\/0a91a030-9f97-11f1-aed2-8d6da8d75094.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/9c49\/live\/0a91a030-9f97-11f1-aed2-8d6da8d75094.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Pictures of the two officers. Both are smiling. PC Blades has smart stubble and short fair hair. PC Clough also has stubble and short dark hair.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/tTIEcu.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/9c49\/live\/0a91a030-9f97-11f1-aed2-8d6da8d75094.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/9c49\/live\/0a91a030-9f97-11f1-aed2-8d6da8d75094.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/9c49\/live\/0a91a030-9f97-11f1-aed2-8d6da8d75094.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/9c49\/live\/0a91a030-9f97-11f1-aed2-8d6da8d75094.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/9c49\/live\/0a91a030-9f97-11f1-aed2-8d6da8d75094.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/9c49\/live\/0a91a030-9f97-11f1-aed2-8d6da8d75094.jpg 976w\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" class=\"ssrcss-egie1y-Image edrdn950\"><\/picture><\/span><span role=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-tzgxt7-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c20\">Cleveland Police<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Pollard said the government had &#8220;already taken steps&#8221; to tell social media companies to take down such content.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">He added: &#8220;They know exactly what content is on their site, they know how their algorithm works.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;They also know that people post content to get views and the more views you get, sometimes you get money for it, so it&#8217;s a financial incentive to post outrageous content that gets more people watching it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, Burnham said the people who share footage glorifying dangerous driving are &#8220;doing something that&#8217;s truly reprehensible&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">A Downing Street spokeswoman said &#8220;the glorification of dangerous driving for clips and entertainment is utterly disgraceful&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">She added that the culture secretary has been clear that footage should be removed by social media platforms &#8220;in line with their legal obligations&#8221;, and that Ofcom has the government&#8217;s &#8220;full backing to take action&#8221; against those that fail in their duties.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"media\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1uy5kw5-FullWidthWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-hc6arm-StyledFigure e34k3c22\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\">\n<div data-chromatic=\"ignore\" class=\"ssrcss-dtyrnv-MediaPlayerWrapper e1h75hkw2\">\n<div data-testid=\"media-player-container-landscape\" class=\"ssrcss-78d3mz-MediaContainer e1h75hkw1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-199fzb3-MediaInner e1h75hkw0\">\n<div data-testid=\"bbc-logo-wrapper\" class=\"ssrcss-1tlcek-LogoIconWrapper eaj4kwa0\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 112 32\" class=\"ssrcss-xi5oyi-StyledIcon e161cein1\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M112 0v32H80V0zM72 0v32H40V0zM32 0v32H0V0zm65.47 6.8q-2.16 0-3.9.65a8 8 0 0 0-4.9 4.75 10 10 0 0 0-.65 3.79q0 2.15.63 3.86a8 8 0 0 0 1.83 2.9q1.2 1.19 2.92 1.81 1.73.63 3.9.63 1.61 0 3.1-.36 1.46-.35 2.58-.97v-3.43a9.6 9.6 0 0 1-5.15 1.46 6.5 6.5 0 0 1-3.12-.7 4.6 4.6 0 0 1-1.95-2 7 7 0 0 1-.68-3.2q0-1.87.7-3.19a4.7 4.7 0 0 1 2-2 7 7 0 0 1 3.17-.69q1.35 0 2.57.36a8 8 0 0 1 2.26 1.05v-3.5q-1.14-.6-2.48-.9-1.33-.3-2.83-.31M55.76 7H49v18h7.17a10 10 0 0 0 3.65-.63 4.7 4.7 0 0 0 3.16-4.56q0-1.63-.85-2.78a5 5 0 0 0-2.43-1.67 4 4 0 0 0 1.73-1.5q.6-.94.6-2.23a4 4 0 0 0-1.65-3.43Q58.74 7 55.76 7m-40 0H9v18h7.17a10 10 0 0 0 3.65-.63 4.7 4.7 0 0 0 3.16-4.56q0-1.63-.85-2.78a5 5 0 0 0-2.43-1.67 4 4 0 0 0 1.73-1.5q.6-.94.6-2.23a4 4 0 0 0-1.65-3.43Q18.74 7 15.76 7m40.12 10.22q3.35 0 3.35 2.47 0 1.16-.88 1.77t-2.52.62h-3.18v-4.86Zm-40 0q3.35 0 3.35 2.47 0 1.16-.88 1.77t-2.52.62h-3.18v-4.86Zm39.53-7.3q2.91 0 2.92 2.14 0 1.1-.75 1.72-.75.63-2.17.62h-2.76V9.92Zm-40 0q2.91 0 2.92 2.14 0 1.1-.75 1.72-.75.63-2.17.62h-2.76V9.92Z\" \/><\/svg><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1553su4-ErrorMessage eitf6465\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-h7lv7m-StyledInnerContainer eitf6464\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nbxsk2-TextContent eitf6461\">\n<h2 type=\"normal\" class=\"ssrcss-89o2pv-Heading e10rt3ze0\">To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.<\/h2>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">This video can not be played<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Video content featuring illegal activity is not necessarily illegal itself &#8211; according to the Online Safety Act &#8211; it is up to the social network to decide whether flagged content is illegal and act accordingly.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">TikTok said its policies prohibit content that could cause significant physical harm, including dangerous driving.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">It added that it is actively removing videos and accounts that break its rules, including the account believed to belong to Saddington.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">The company said between January and March 2026, 99.8% of the content removed for violating those policies it took down proactively.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">While TikTok is taking some videos down, it is not necessarily because it has deemed them to be illegal &#8211; it may only be because they breach the firm&#8217;s own terms and conditions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">There are specific exceptions which are set out in the Online Safety Act, but they can be difficult to interpret.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">For example, content showing someone being killed is not necessarily illegal unless it is being shared by a terrorist group, and\/or accessible to children.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">The BBC has also contacted Meta and X for comment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-1uy5kw5-FullWidthWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-hc6arm-StyledFigure e34k3c22\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-13vip2r-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/f681\/live\/424e6cb0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/f681\/live\/424e6cb0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/f681\/live\/424e6cb0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/f681\/live\/424e6cb0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.jpg.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/f681\/live\/424e6cb0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/f681\/live\/424e6cb0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Five young men in their late teens and early 20s. They all have similar haircuts, with a fringe and faded back and sides. Four of them are gesturing with their fingers. Three of them extend their thumb, index, and pinky fingers - leaving their middle and ring finger tucked down. One points with his index and middle finger whilst holding a Lucozade bottle. They are all dressed in casual clothing.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/gGZsP0.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/f681\/live\/424e6cb0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/f681\/live\/424e6cb0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/f681\/live\/424e6cb0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/f681\/live\/424e6cb0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/f681\/live\/424e6cb0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/f681\/live\/424e6cb0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.jpg 976w\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1413.467336683417\" class=\"ssrcss-egie1y-Image edrdn950\"><\/picture><\/span><span role=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-tzgxt7-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c20\">Social media<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">On Saturday, PC Tom Clough, 38, and PC Matthew Blades, 37, died when a Volkswagen Passat, which officers had been pursuing until seconds before, collided with their marked armed response car on the A66 near Middlesbrough.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">All five of the Passat&#8217;s occupants &#8211; Saddington, Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Jacob Matusiak, 23, Theo Rae, 17, and Cole Robert Worthy, 17 &#8211; also died.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">A video posted on the TikTok account believed to belong to Saddington in March 2025 showed him and four other young people involved in what appears to be a police pursuit. The video has since been deleted.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">BBC Verify analysed the 94 second-long clip, which showed the car driving on footpaths and parkland in Ormesby, Middlesbrough, with Saddington a rear-seat passenger.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Another video posted by the same account, also since deleted, appears to show a joyride where a passenger is smoking, with the speedometer showing 100mph.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Then, later in the video, a different car is set on fire. The passengers in this video are not identifiable.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said: &#8220;Without being able to say whether that was anything like involved in this case, it&#8217;s absolutely idiotic for anybody to be doing anything other than being completely 100% focused on the road when they&#8217;re behind the wheel of a vehicle.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">He told BBC Radio 4&#8217;s Today programme that someone filming themselves or others driving dangerously is &#8220;absolutely ridiculous, and of course nobody should be doing that&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;It is a worrying situation if that&#8217;s becoming more prevalent because it is incredibly dangerous&#8221;, he added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-l7emlr-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"ssrcss-1uy5kw5-FullWidthWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-hc6arm-StyledFigure e34k3c22\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1qox3r7-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/dcd1\/live\/824a1fd0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/dcd1\/live\/824a1fd0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/dcd1\/live\/824a1fd0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/dcd1\/live\/824a1fd0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/dcd1\/live\/824a1fd0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/dcd1\/live\/824a1fd0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A map showing where the crash occurred in relation to the wider Teesside area.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/c2o2bz.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/dcd1\/live\/824a1fd0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/dcd1\/live\/824a1fd0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/dcd1\/live\/824a1fd0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/dcd1\/live\/824a1fd0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/dcd1\/live\/824a1fd0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/dcd1\/live\/824a1fd0-9f97-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png 976w\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1242\" class=\"ssrcss-egie1y-Image edrdn950\"><\/picture><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-126h8e-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"rich-text\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nqezkk-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Earlier this month, five teenagers were killed in a head-on collision in County Kildare, Ireland, after driving the wrong way down a motorway.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">They hit a car which was believed to be carrying a family heading to the airport for a holiday. As of Friday, three women and a seven-year-old boy were still in hospital where they were being treated for serious injuries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">At the time, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly called it &#8220;irresponsible and dangerous driving&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">He said: &#8220;What makes this reckless behaviour even more appalling is that in some cases it is being done for social media likes regardless of the potentially devastating impact it might have on innocent people and themselves.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Speaking to BBC Radio 5Live, Pollard said he wanted to see social media companies &#8220;step up&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">He added: &#8220;It&#8217;s one of the reasons they&#8217;ve argued against some of the regulations, saying they can police themselves.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;Well this is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate it. Remove the content that celebrates dangerous behaviour on our roads.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">The minister said the government will use powers in the Online Safety Act to compel platforms to take down any content that remains online.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">A spokesperson for regulator Ofcom said under the act platforms &#8220;must minimise children&#8217;s exposure to violent material and content promoting dangerous challenges&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">They added that in July, it launched an investigation &#8220;into TikTok&#8217;s compliance with its child safety duties, and we&#8217;ve shown we&#8217;ll take action if evidence suggests companies are falling short.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"topicList\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-tcr9z1-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<div data-testid=\"topic-list\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nj9heb-StyledTagContainer ed0g1kj1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1pfbb52-TopicListHeaderWrapper etw6iwl0\">\n<h2 type=\"normal\" class=\"ssrcss-89o2pv-Heading e10rt3ze0\">Related topics<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17ehax8-Cluster e1ihwmse1\">\n<ul role=\"list\" spacing=\"2\" class=\"ssrcss-w8zanw-ClusterItems e1ihwmse0\">\n<li>Driving and mobile phones<\/li>\n<li>Social media<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-block=\"promoList\" class=\"ssrcss-vxwoax-ComponentWrapper e1aon0op1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-tcr9z1-Spacer e1aon0op0\">\n<h2 type=\"normal\" class=\"ssrcss-89o2pv-Heading e10rt3ze0\">More on this story<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"ssrcss-1ughxsy-List e880cno1\">\n<li>\n<div data-testid=\"promo\" class=\"ssrcss-ccqz3i-Promo e1vyq2e80\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1u1fh10-PromoSwitchLayoutAtBreakpoints et5qctl0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-wg79iw-PromoContent exn3ah912\">\n<div spacing=\"2\" class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span role=\"text\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1emzoi7-PromoHeadline exn3ah99\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">PCs killed in A66 crash were heroes, say families<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<div spacing=\"2\" class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\">\n<div>\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-9tw7r1-MetadataStripContainer eh44mf03\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-10q9h22-GroupChildrenForWrapping eh44mf02\">\n<li role=\"listitem\" class=\"ssrcss-sf7vdp-MetadataStripItem eh44mf01\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-m5j4pi-MetadataContent eh44mf00\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pvwv4b-MetadataSnippet e4wm5bw3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-61mhsj-MetadataText e4wm5bw1\">5 hours ago<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-z60stg-PromoImageContainer en81kx34\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17h6w1t-PromoImageContainerInner en81kx32\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-fec6qv-ImageWrapper en81kx33\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pflr6j-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/68ab\/live\/93348dd0-9f24-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/68ab\/live\/93348dd0-9f24-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/68ab\/live\/93348dd0-9f24-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/68ab\/live\/93348dd0-9f24-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/68ab\/live\/93348dd0-9f24-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/68ab\/live\/93348dd0-9f24-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Pictures of the two officers. Both are smiling. PC Blades has smart stubble and short fair hair. PC Clough also has stubble and short dark hair.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ovomWB.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/68ab\/live\/93348dd0-9f24-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/68ab\/live\/93348dd0-9f24-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/68ab\/live\/93348dd0-9f24-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/68ab\/live\/93348dd0-9f24-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/68ab\/live\/93348dd0-9f24-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/68ab\/live\/93348dd0-9f24-11f1-b109-879e35c24276.png 976w\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" class=\"ssrcss-egie1y-Image edrdn950\"><\/picture><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div data-testid=\"promo\" class=\"ssrcss-ccqz3i-Promo e1vyq2e80\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1u1fh10-PromoSwitchLayoutAtBreakpoints et5qctl0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-wg79iw-PromoContent exn3ah912\">\n<div spacing=\"2\" class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span role=\"text\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1emzoi7-PromoHeadline exn3ah99\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">Pursuit &#8216;aborted&#8217; seconds before crash killed seven<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<div spacing=\"2\" class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\">\n<div>\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-9tw7r1-MetadataStripContainer eh44mf03\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-10q9h22-GroupChildrenForWrapping eh44mf02\">\n<li role=\"listitem\" class=\"ssrcss-sf7vdp-MetadataStripItem eh44mf01\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-m5j4pi-MetadataContent eh44mf00\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pvwv4b-MetadataSnippet e4wm5bw3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-61mhsj-MetadataText e4wm5bw1\">15 hours ago<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-z60stg-PromoImageContainer en81kx34\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17h6w1t-PromoImageContainerInner en81kx32\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-fec6qv-ImageWrapper en81kx33\"><span class=\"ssrcss-zv0gro-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/3e0e\/live\/11b179c0-9ebc-11f1-94b5-69fe6cc868f9.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/3e0e\/live\/11b179c0-9ebc-11f1-94b5-69fe6cc868f9.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/3e0e\/live\/11b179c0-9ebc-11f1-94b5-69fe6cc868f9.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/3e0e\/live\/11b179c0-9ebc-11f1-94b5-69fe6cc868f9.jpg.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/3e0e\/live\/11b179c0-9ebc-11f1-94b5-69fe6cc868f9.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/3e0e\/live\/11b179c0-9ebc-11f1-94b5-69fe6cc868f9.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"An overturned car is seen under a tarp, surrounded by police vehicles on a road.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/S06Atp.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/3e0e\/live\/11b179c0-9ebc-11f1-94b5-69fe6cc868f9.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/3e0e\/live\/11b179c0-9ebc-11f1-94b5-69fe6cc868f9.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/3e0e\/live\/11b179c0-9ebc-11f1-94b5-69fe6cc868f9.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/3e0e\/live\/11b179c0-9ebc-11f1-94b5-69fe6cc868f9.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/800\/cpsprodpb\/3e0e\/live\/11b179c0-9ebc-11f1-94b5-69fe6cc868f9.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/976\/cpsprodpb\/3e0e\/live\/11b179c0-9ebc-11f1-94b5-69fe6cc868f9.jpg 976w\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1439.5733333333333\" class=\"ssrcss-egie1y-Image edrdn950\"><\/picture><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div data-testid=\"promo\" class=\"ssrcss-ccqz3i-Promo e1vyq2e80\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1u1fh10-PromoSwitchLayoutAtBreakpoints et5qctl0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-wg79iw-PromoContent exn3ah912\">\n<div spacing=\"2\" class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span role=\"text\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1emzoi7-PromoHeadline exn3ah99\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">Two police officers among seven killed in wrong-way car crash<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<div spacing=\"2\" class=\"ssrcss-l0lt4o-Stack e1y4nx260\">\n<div>\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-9tw7r1-MetadataStripContainer eh44mf03\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-10q9h22-GroupChildrenForWrapping eh44mf02\">\n<li role=\"listitem\" class=\"ssrcss-sf7vdp-MetadataStripItem eh44mf01\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-m5j4pi-MetadataContent eh44mf00\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1pvwv4b-MetadataSnippet e4wm5bw3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-61mhsj-MetadataText e4wm5bw1\">1 day ago<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-z60stg-PromoImageContainer en81kx34\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17h6w1t-PromoImageContainerInner en81kx32\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-fec6qv-ImageWrapper en81kx33\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1y38934-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/16a4\/live\/4ebea670-9e22-11f1-ac9e-fff6c50f95cd.png.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/16a4\/live\/4ebea670-9e22-11f1-ac9e-fff6c50f95cd.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/16a4\/live\/4ebea670-9e22-11f1-ac9e-fff6c50f95cd.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/16a4\/live\/4ebea670-9e22-11f1-ac9e-fff6c50f95cd.png.webp 624w\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Police vans of varying size are lined up in a row leading up to the sie of the wreckage, all with reflective liveries. To one side, two police officers rest with paper cups, with one sat on the metal barrier between the two sides of the road.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AO1u8U.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/240\/cpsprodpb\/16a4\/live\/4ebea670-9e22-11f1-ac9e-fff6c50f95cd.png 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/320\/cpsprodpb\/16a4\/live\/4ebea670-9e22-11f1-ac9e-fff6c50f95cd.png 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/480\/cpsprodpb\/16a4\/live\/4ebea670-9e22-11f1-ac9e-fff6c50f95cd.png 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/ace\/standard\/624\/cpsprodpb\/16a4\/live\/4ebea670-9e22-11f1-ac9e-fff6c50f95cd.png 624w\" width=\"758\" height=\"426.00000000000006\" class=\"ssrcss-egie1y-Image edrdn950\"><\/picture><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Published at Mon, 24 Aug 2026 12:28:16 +0000<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sharing dangerous driving videos is &#8216;truly reprehensible&#8217;, PM says Alex Smith&nbsp;and&nbsp;Zoe Kleinman,&nbsp;Technology editor 24 August 2026, 10:42 BST Updated 7 minutes ago The government has urged social media companies to remove posts celebrating dangerous driving, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham branded sharing them &#8220;truly reprehensible&#8221;. Earlier Defence Minister Luke Pollard told BBC Breakfast on Monday&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/sharing-dangerous-driving-videos-is-truly-reprehensible-pm-says\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Sharing dangerous driving videos is &#8216;truly reprehensible&#8217;, PM says<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5104,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5105","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uk-politics","entry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5105","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5105"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5105\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5104"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5105"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5105"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/260web.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5105"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}