Tragedy on wheels

RECENT tragic accidents in Tengpora (Jammu and Kashmir) and Dehradun (Uttarakhand) underline a troubling issue: underage driving continues to claim young lives. These incidents are a grim reminder of the shared responsibility parents bear in ensuring that their minor children do not drive. India’s roads are among the deadliest in the world, with traffic accidents surging from 3,68,828 in 2020 to 4,22,659 in 2021. Shockingly, 9.6 per cent of fatalities involve individuals below 18, many of whom are underage drivers. In the Tengpora tragedy, two 17-year-olds lost their lives when their SUV collided with a truck, while in Dehradun, a high-speed car crash claimed six lives. Both accidents were preventable.

The law is unambiguous — under the Motor Vehicles Act, no one under 18 can drive. Yet, lax enforcement and parental neglect allow such dangerous practices to persist. Parents often indulge their children, giving them access to vehicles without considering the dire consequences. When minors drive, the law holds guardians accountable under Section 199A of the Act, which includes penalties of up to three years in jail, a fine of

Rs 25,000 and cancellation of the vehicle’s registration. Equally troubling is the society’s failure to instil a culture of road safety. Schools, communities and law enforcement must collaborate to address this crisis. Educating children on the risks of reckless driving is essential. As the first gatekeepers, parents must take the lead and say ‘no’ to their children’s demands for vehicles and emphasise responsibility over privilege.

The devastating aftermath of these accidents should galvanise stricter law enforcement. Traffic violations, particularly involving minors, must face zero tolerance. Regular awareness campaigns can reinforce the dangers of underage driving. Parents must recognise that withholding a car key today could save a life tomorrow.