Social media culture blamed for dangerous bike stunts: Traffic police

Social media and online video platforms are fuelling dangerous motorcycle stunting incidents among riders, according to traffic police officials. B. Shamoondeswari, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), attributed the troubling trend to what she termed 'reel culture'—the practice of emulating viral video content seen on short-form video platforms and social networks.

The rise in stunt-related incidents reflects a broader concern among law enforcement about the influence of online content on public behaviour. Traffic authorities have noted that riders, particularly younger drivers, increasingly attempt complex and hazardous manoeuvres to replicate trending videos, often without regard for safety or legal consequences.

Police departments across the region have intensified enforcement operations targeting reckless riding, including stunt performances and speed violations. Officials warn that such activities pose significant risks not only to the riders themselves but also to other road users and pedestrians.

Authorities are calling for greater responsibility from social media platforms in monitoring and restricting content that glorifies dangerous stunting. Simultaneously, traffic police are urging the public to report hazardous riding behaviour and emphasizing the severe penalties associated with performing stunts on public roads.