The recent tragic accident in Pune involving a minor driving a sports car, which resulted in two fatalities, has reignited concerns about underage driving.
Despite being a serious legal offence, underage driving has seen a significant uptick in various parts of Hyderabad in recent years, posing a severe threat to road safety. In the Rachakonda Commissionerate area, the largest jurisdiction in India, the first five months of 2024 have already witnessed a record number of challans issued for underage driving. The police have issued 487 challans to date, representing a nearly 50% increase from the total number of 326 challans issued in the entire year of 2023. This alarming rise underscores the growing prevalence of minors behind the wheel.
Hyderabad police Commissionerate has also been grappling with this issue. It is not uncommon to see school students riding scooters, blatantly flouting traffic regulations. The traffic police have been proactive in addressing this, issuing challans to thousands of vehicle owners who permit minors to drive. According to data compiled by the authorities, 1,859 vehicle owners have been penalised till May 21 this year for allowing minors to operate their vehicles.
The enforcement actions against underage driving are stringent. Offenders, once caught, face a range of penalties. These include fines, mandatory community service, and in some cases, imprisonment. Additionally, there is a suspension of driving licences, serving as a deterrent to those who consider allowing minors to drive. The increasing trend of underage driving raises critical concerns about road safety and the effectiveness of existing regulatory measures. The surge in offences within just a few months of 2024 indicates a pressing need for more robust enforcement and public awareness campaigns. Ensuring that parents and guardians understand the severe consequences of permitting minors to drive is essential.
This issue extends beyond mere legal infractions; it poses a tangible threat to public safety. Minors lack the maturity and experience necessary to navigate the complexities of driving, making them more prone to accidents. The tragic incident in Pune serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of underage driving. To combat this menace effectively, a multifaceted approach is required. Enhanced vigilance by traffic police, stringent penalties for offenders, and comprehensive public awareness campaigns are critical. Schools and community organisations must also play a role in educating young people about the dangers of driving without a licence.
Rachakonda, DCP (Traffic) K Manohar said, “The main reason for the increase in cases is negligence on the part of parents. They ask their minors to take out vehicles for chores. Parents should be more responsible and take police action seriously.” There are clear legal provisions for the punishment of underage driving. According to the Motor Vehicles Act (1988), if a minor is caught driving a vehicle, the owner of the vehicle — usually the parent — is considered guilty of the offence. Juvenile driving is also classified as a non-compoundable offence under the Act. This offence falls into the same category as driving under the influence of drugs or running a red light. Underage driving is also a sociological issue, according to road safety experts, who believe that young people are more likely to indulge in reckless behaviour.
Road safety expert and founder of Community Against Drunken Driving (CADD), Prince Singhal, said, “Some of the reasons why people continue to indulge in underage driving include lax enforcement of driving rules and limited legal consequences.”The sharp rise in underage driving offences in Hyderabad necessitates urgent action. The combined efforts of law enforcement, parents, educational institutions, and the community at large are crucial to mitigate this growing threat. Ensuring that roads remain safe for all users is a shared responsibility, and addressing the issue of underage driving is a significant step in that direction.
