Snapchat Ends Speed Filter Some Say Encouraged Reckless Driving

As NPR recently reported, Snapchat has recently decided to eliminate a controversial feature in the app known as the “speed filter.” But for some car crash victims, the recent removal is too little, too late. Tragically, motorists have died in speeding accidents involving speed filter users. Many others have been injured. At least one federal appeals court has ruled that one such case can move forward to seek compensation from Snapchat due to its role in the collision. 

What Was the Snapchat Speed Filter?

The Snapchat speed filter allowed users to record and share how fast they were moving and share it with other users on the popular app. This Snapchat filter was introduced in 2013.  

Critics argued that the speed filter encouraged risky driving behavior, including reckless driving and speeding. A number of deadly or near-fatal car crashes sometimes followed the use of the speed filter. For example, a Georgia accident left a driver with permanent brain damage. Another accident involving the speed filter resulted in the death of three young women. Three young men in Wisconsin were killed in a collision right after clocking 123 mph on the speed filter and hitting a tree.

Families of loved ones who died or were injured in speeding car accidents in which the app was used have sued the social media conglomerate. They argue that the speed filter encouraged risky driving in an attempt to get views, shares, and bragging rights on the social media app. Other cases allege that teenage users of Snapchat believed they would receive digital prizes and trophies for recoding speeds above 100 mph.  

Safety advocates and nonprofit groups like End Distracted Driving, which advocates for policies to decrease the number of distracted driving car accidents, have urged the company to remove the speed filter. 

However, Snapchat officials have historically defended the speed filter. It only made incremental changes before the sudden move to remove the filter, such as switching it from a “filter” to a “sticker” and slapping a “Don’t Snap and drive” warning on it. 

Why Was the Snapchat Filter Removed from The App?

NPR says that its reporters had recently asked Snapchat why it had supported the speed filter for so long in light of the safety concerns. A Snapchat spokeswoman said that the safety of the Snapchat community was important, but it continued to be an accessible feature to Snapchat users. 

However, the company recently announced it would remove the feature, citing the reason as minimal use by users on the platform. 

The company has already started removing the filter, but it may take a little more time for the filter to be removed from all accounts.

The Personal Injury Attorneys at Salvi, Schostok, and Pritchard Are Here to Help

If you were hurt or a loved one was killed in a reckless driving car accident caused by the Snapchat speed filter or any other reason, the legal team at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. is here to help. We have successfully recovered more than $1.6 billion for our well-deserving clients. Our diverse team of top litigators does not back down from a challenge and will fight tenaciously for a positive outcome for our clients. 

To learn more about your legal rights or options or to find out how we can help, contact us today.