Underage drivers put lives at risk

Hyderabad: Parents and guardians who allow their kids to take vehicles for a drive are not only endangering their lives, but those of other motorists and pedestrians as well. Many lives have been shattered by underage drivers who go for a joyride, the risk and consequences of which most grown-ups are overlooking. Underage driving can deeply impact the lives of people around. In a split second, it can alter the course of numerous lives, including that of the child. 

It’s a parent’s job to be vigilant and to educate children to the dangers of such driving. Surprisingly, instead of stopping their kids, many parents are encouraging them by buying bikes or cars. It’s the responsibility of the parents not to give vehicle keys to their children, keep the vehicle locked, and, if possible, hide the keys from them. If the parents do not let their children ride a bike, they won’t. Remember, that if something goes wrong, the parent or guardian will be held responsible. Parents who sit behind or beside their underage children while they are driving, are also in the wrong. They are abetting it by being on the pillion while the minor is driving.

“If a minor is driving a car or a bike, then someone else is responsible for it. Even seniors are not trained properly according to the rules of the police and they teach kids driving, which is multiplying the risk,” says Ahsan Pasha, a road safety activist.

“Riding a bike in a safe area like a playground and riding it on the road are two different things. One may handle the bike very efficiently but to be able to ride on a road the person must be aware of all the rules of the road and be alert. He should be vigilant about the surroundings and traffic laws while on the road. We are planning to visit educational institutions to educate students about the risks and dangers of underage driving. Any parent who gives a bike to their underaged kid, is giving them a licence to kill others or kill themselves,” added Mr Pasha.

Hyderabad police is conducting counselling sessions to control the menace. They summon the parents along with the kids to brief them about the rules and regulations and also making them aware of the risks of such driving not only to their kids but also for the other commuters on the road.

The large number of underage drivers ignoring the law can be attributed to peer pressure and a feeling of youthful invincibility and a sense of adventure.

Teenagers have an impression that they can get away with violations of the law. Several cases of crashes killing young drivers involve alcohol and are often combined with factors like as speeding. Not only could these accidents lead to loss of life, but also severe physical and emotional scars on survivors.