Police say a young drifting driver has an accident in Central

CENTRAL, La. (WAFB) – The Central Police Department has issued a warning about a dangerous new social media challenge that officers say caused a serious crash on the Central Thruway.

According to police, a northbound vehicle went off the road on Monday afternoon, Oct. 28, as it approached the intersection of the Central Thruway and Frenchtown Road. The vehicle crossed the median and struck a southbound vehicle before stopping and catching fire.

The Police Headquarters has issued a warning about a new, dangerous challenge on social media... — The Central Police Department has issued a warning about a dangerous new social media challenge that officers say caused a serious crash on the Central Thruway.(Central Police Department)

Police said statements from witnesses and drivers involved indicate the northbound driver was participating in a drift game or challenge featured on social media platforms TikTok and YouTube when he lost control of his vehicle.

Witnesses reported seeing the northbound vehicle traveling back and forth to O’Neal Lane before entering the city. They said that sometimes the vehicle would “brake check” other cars on the road.

According to officials, drifting is loosely defined as intentional oversteering resulting in a loss of traction.

Police are appealing to parents to warn their children against participating in very dangerous activities.

“One young driver learned tonight that these challenges have real consequences,” police said. “Fortunately for everyone involved, no one was seriously injured.”

The crash caused a partial closure of the Central Thruway.

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