CHARLOTTE, NC– It’s an alarming new trend made possible by technology, and driven by society’s constant need to be seen: teens snapping “selfies” while they’re driving.
The latest trend is dominating the social media feeds of 17-year-old Myers Park High senior, Luke Aiken. He says his friends are constantly posting pictures of daily activities.
“I see pictures saying, ‘Here’s me eating breakfast; I’m driving to work; I’m driving to school,'” says Aiken. There are thousands of photos on Instagram and Twitter with the hash tag #DrivingSelfie and #HopeIDontCrash. Aiken says teens do it for attention and the ego-boost.
“It’s like they’re saying, ‘look how fast I’m going; look how cool I am,” says Aiken.
Aiken says he’s even received a video of a friend driving 60 mph with one hand on the stick, the other on the phone. So, who’s controlling the wheel? Aiken isn’t sure. He admits the video is cool, but dangerous, and he says he understands there are serious consequences other teens often disregard.
Psychologist Dr. Rachel Kitson with Southeast Psych in Southpark says teens in general tend to take more risks, and social media is their stage to display them. She says for teens, snapping a picture in the car sends a strong message.
“It says I’m doing what I want, and I’m on my own, and here’s a shot of me being cool and independent,” says Kitson.
Cool-factor aside, Aiken says he worries for many teens, a close-call may be the only wake-up call.
Car crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers. Safety advocates say many teens who do foolish things behind the wheel think they’re talented, when really they’re just lucky: a point parents need to drive home.
