Underage Driving: A Growing Concern in the Valley
By Samad Wani
Srinagar witnessed a tragic accident in the Tengpora Bypass area, claiming the lives of two underage children and leaving two others critically injured. Reports suggest the vehicle was being driven at an excessive speed, and none of the occupants possessed a driving license. This heartbreaking incident highlights a grave issue: underage driving, a growing menace that puts countless lives at risk.
A car, in responsible hands, is a tool of convenience; however, in the wrong hands, it becomes a weapon. Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident. The lack of vigilance in monitoring underage drivers is leading to catastrophic consequences, urging immediate action from all stakeholders, including parents, schools, and the traffic authorities.
The responsibility begins at home. Parents must be more aware of their children’s activities and strictly prohibit access to vehicles until they reach the legal age and acquire the necessary training and licenses. Alongside, laws need to be amended to hold both parents accountable for allowing their children to drive underage. This would serve as a deterrent and instill a sense of responsibility among families.
Schools and tuition centers, too, have a role to play. The presence of vehicles with underage drivers outside educational institutions is an open secret. Routine inspections and awareness programs must be carried out to discourage such practices.
On their part, the traffic police are working diligently to ensure road safety, but their enforcement needs to tighten further. Random inspections, increased vigilance, and targeted raids around schools and tuition centers could go a long way in addressing the problem. Authorities such as the DIG, IG, and SSP Traffic Police must prioritize this issue to protect lives and maintain order on the roads. The RTO must play its role by spreading awareness and being strict to help discipline the streets.
This tragedy is a stark reminder that road safety is a collective responsibility. Unless immediate steps are taken to address underage driving, the streets of Srinagar may witness more such unfortunate incidents.
Lives are at stake, and it is time to act before it is too late.
