'Bird Box challenge' led to blindfolded teen's car crash, Utah police say
Netflix shared warning about the challenge last week via social media
Police say a Utah teenager crashed into another car when she covered her eyes as part of the so-called "Bird Box Challenge."
Layton police Lt. Travis Lyman said Friday that the 17-year-old drifted into oncoming traffic and hit another car after she pulled a hat over her eyes to emulate Bird Box, a Sandra Bullock movie on Netflix where characters must be constantly blindfolded to avoid visions that urge them to die.
Videos of people trying to do things while blindfolded have attracted widespread attention online, and Netflix tweeted a warning about the challenge last week.
Can’t believe I have to say this, but: PLEASE DO NOT HURT YOURSELVES WITH THIS BIRD BOX CHALLENGE. We don’t know how this started, and we appreciate the love, but Boy and Girl have just one wish for 2019 and it is that you not end up in the hospital due to memes.
—@netflixNo one was hurt in the Monday crash north of Salt Lake City.
Lyman says it should serve as a warning he never thought he'd have to give: Don't drive while blindfolded.
“They’re going to get the wrong idea about blind people, and what blindness is actually like.” The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BirdBoxChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BirdBoxChallenge</a> creates mistaken and harmful impressions of blindness and blind people, perpetuating misconceptions. We strongly condemn it. <a href="https://t.co/HO6TkAxEmn">https://t.co/HO6TkAxEmn</a>
—@NFB_voice