Some people strive for the honor of their video, meme, or post to go viral. They want to be the big news story, the hot item on social media. Unfortunately, the people who are taking on singer Drake’s #InMyFeelingsChallenge are making news for the wrong reasons – they’re jumping out of moving vehicles, and getting hurt. And the trend is a car accident waiting to happen.
Challenge Fail
Instagram user and comedian @theshiggyshow posted a video of himself dancing to Drake’s song “In My Feelings.” He made it cool, he made it worth copying. So, folks decided to do what tends to happen with popular videos – they parodied the original.
One young woman ended up in the hospital with a fractured skull. Plenty of people fell, not just dancing in the street, but while jumping out of a moving vehicle to dance or while attempting to get back in the vehicle.
One man was hit in the face with a car, albeit a car that was supposed to be part of his routine. He said, on the Jimmy Kimmel Show no less (fame achieved), that the plan was for him to jump on the hood and continue dancing. Do people practice these things ahead of time? Or think before they act?
Challenges for Good
Just a few years ago, the ALS Bucket Challenge raised awareness and funds to fight the neurodegenerative affliction also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. People poured a bucket of ice water on another person’s head and videotaped it, challenging another person to do the same. If they didn’t come through, they had to donate money to the ALS Association. Most people said yes to the ice and the donation.
#InMyFeelings is quite different. There is no cause, no raising awareness – except, perhaps, the awareness of what you should not do.
Even with the ALS challenge there were some bruised participants who had the ice and bucket land on their heads from above, innocent bystanders, and plenty of potential for traumatic brain injury. But the challenge did raise over $100 million for a worthy cause.
Distracted Driving and Dancing
The #InMyFeelingsChallenge has taken distracted driving to a whole new level. Not only are drivers and passengers leaping out of cars to dance, they’re videotaping themselves at the same time.
The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a plea the enthusiastic dancing copycats: “Don’t jump out of a moving vehicle to dance in the street.” They have warned that people who attempt this dance challenge on roadways could face possible fines and citations. This unsafe driving behavior could lead to car accidents and, potentially, injuries and death.
If you have been a victim of a car accident because of another driver’s distraction, contact Thurswell Law for a free consultation. Our vehicle accident attorneys have the experience to get you the compensation you deserve. We do not charge any fees unless you collect. Call (248) 354-2222 today to schedule your consultation.
