(Image: DriveTribe)
James May has defended social media platforms after a fatal crash reignited debate over online content promoting reckless driving.
The TV presenter and former Top Gear host made the comments following a collision on the A66 on Saturday, which left seven people dead.
The crash involved a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way and colliding with a police armoured response vehicle.
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Among those killed were two police officers.
Speaking to LBC, Mr May said: "I did watch a documentary about World War 2 the other day, but I didn’t then go and bomb Dresden."
He argued that online videos are not the sole cause of dangerous driving behaviour.
One of the men who died in the crash had previously posted videos online showing himself driving dangerously while being chased by police.
Mr May also challenged the idea that car enthusiasts support such behaviour.
He said: "You’re talking about the petrolhead gene, which you don’t have, and I don’t blame you.
"But please understand that real petrolheads and car enthusiasts hate this sort of thing you’re talking about because it ultimately gives cars a bad name.
"We’re not watching it thinking ‘wow that’s fantastic.’"
He continued: "People who really love cars and people who like driving cars fast go to things like track days where everything is regulated and everything is very safety-conscious.
"We’re really not into this stuff, it’s very very bad for our hobby."