Indonesian independent VTuber Illya Kashkova is facing public backlash following a viral video that showed her recklessly driving on the shoulder of a toll road. The incident, which took place on May 4, 2025, captured Kashkova speeding at approximately 150 km/h (93 mph), and at one point reaching up to 195 km/h (121 mph), using the emergency lane — a space designated strictly for emergencies.
Her actions are a direct violation of Indonesia’s Law No. 22 of 2009 on Road Traffic and Transportation, specifically Articles 131 and 287, which regulate the proper use of emergency lanes and set penalties for reckless driving.
Illya Kashkova is an independent virtual content creator affiliated with Project Yoru. She made her debut on August 13, 2022, and re-debuted on March 14, 2023. Her YouTube channel currently has approximately 4,100 subscribers. Her most recent livestream took place on July 28, 2024, featuring gameplay from the title Once Human, and her latest video was a YouTube Short uploaded on August 22, 2024.
Although the video of the incident has since been removed, it has raised serious concerns about road safety. Using the emergency lane at such high speeds poses significant risks not only to the driver but also to other road users, potentially leading to accidents or multi-vehicle collisions.
Public concern has intensified further due to a related tragedy that occurred on October 31, 2024, when a journalist from Indonesia’s TV One was struck and killed by a truck while reporting from the roadside. The memory of that incident has reignited discussion about the dangers of unauthorized use of road shoulders.
As of this writing, no official statement has been issued by authorities regarding Kashkova’s actions. However, road safety advocates and social media users alike are calling for greater accountability, emphasizing the influence of digital figures and the responsibility that comes with it — especially when their behavior endangers public safety.