Livestream, 150 kmph, then crash! What the UK07 rider incident tells us about road safety

Image Credit: X/KrishnaTOI

A dramatic accident involving motovlogger Anurag Doval has raised fresh concerns over reckless driving after it was broadcast live on Instagram, with the video quickly going viral on the social media platform. Doval, widely known online as UK07 Rider, was reportedly driving a Toyota Fortuner on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway at the time of the accident.As can be seen in the video, Doval was traveling at a speed of more than 150 kmph during the livestreaming. The broadcast reportedly attracted over 80,000 viewers, with the rider showing off the vehicle’s speedometer and making emotional comments during the live session. Moments later, he suddenly turned the steering wheel, lost control and crashed into a roadside barrier. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Why can an accident be fatal for the driver and other motorists?

The fact that the accident involved a safe SUV, a Toyota Fortuner, may have reduced the severity of the impact for the driver. However, such an accident at extremely high speeds could have far more serious consequences, especially if other vehicles were nearby. A vehicle losing control at speeds of up to 150 kmph can easily swerve into the adjacent lane, potentially causing a multi-vehicle collision on a busy highway.Driving while livestreaming also raises major safety concerns. Using a phone while driving distracts from the road, slows reaction times and increases the chance of losing control. At high speeds, even a brief distraction can prove dangerous.Indian law considers reckless driving as a punishable offense under the Indian Judicial Code. Driving in a manner endangering human life is punishable with imprisonment of up to six months, a fine or both. If careless driving causes injury or death, the punishment can be up to five years in prison.Under the Motor Vehicles Act, dangerous driving such as excessive speeding or using a mobile phone while driving can attract a fine of Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000, along with the possibility of license suspension. Authorities can also revoke licenses in serious cases, with repeat violators facing permanent disqualification from driving.