Do You TikTok and Drive? Maybe You Shouldn’t

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A caucasian teenage boy or young man sitting in the driver's seat of a car. His African American passenger is showing him something on his mobile phone.

Image: kali9, iStock

In the modern age of technology, it’s no surprise that the number of accidents is increasing. In 2021, 3,500 people lost their lives due to car accidents caused by distracted driving. Social media is one of the leading causes, including TikTok, which has one billion users.

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What does distracted driving cost you?

25% of people in a recent study said they've been pulled over for distracted driving. Fines can range from $50 to as much as $400 (not to mention the physical, emotional, and financial costs if there's a crash). See how much tickets are in your state in our article: The Dangers and Costs of Distracted Driving in Your State.

You probably think you're a good driver, but are you?

During a recent study, 1,000 drivers were asked to rate their driving skills on a scale of one to 10, and then answer a variety of questions about their distracted driving habits. Around 80% of survey participants rated themselves an eight or above. But they admitted to using tech while driving. Do you identify with the findings?

  • 66% of drivers reveal that they use their phone while driving.
  • 8% of people confess to steering with their knees.
  • 26% of drivers have been in an accident due to texting and driving or have almost crashed.
  • 48% of drivers have become distracted by GPS.
  • 30% of drivers use their phone while driving.
  • 24% of people search for music using their phone.
  • 67% check notifications while they're driving.

Social distractions

It may not feel like it, but the latest TikTok craze can wait until you get to your destination. With nearly seven in 10 people saying they check notifications while behind the wheel, too many folks are hitting "like" when they should be hitting the brakes.

Of the people who use their phones while driving, here are the social media apps they can't wait for:

  • 30% of drivers check Facebook.
  • TikTok comes in second with 18%.
  • Instagram follows closely behind with 14%.
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TikTok safety

We already know TikTok isn't safe for driving, but here are some other reasons TikTok isn't safe.

Savanna Bradford
Written by
Savanna Bradford is a writer trained in animal care and husbandry. Her writing specializes in science, animals and tech.

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