Rash driving by minors still a major issue
SPOT CHECK Now, parents of underage drivers could get three months’ imprisonment and a fine of `1,000. But minors throwing safety norms to the winds are a common sight in the state capital
LUCKNOW: With new guidelines in place that parents of minors found driving geared vehicles would get three months’ imprisonment and a fine of `1,000, one expects that the number of underage drivers would come down in the city.
When HT did a spot check, a number of underage boys were found riding motorbikes – that too without helmets. Worse still, some were also in school uniform.
“The provision of penalty and imprisonment was already laid down in the Motor Vehicle Act. But it was not implemented. Following directions from the central government, we are enforcing the provision in UP also,” said K Ravinder Naik, transport commissioner.
He said letters had been sent to all the district magistrates, police and RTO offices to ensure its implementation.
However on Monday, Lucknow district magistrate Raj Shekhar seemed unaware about the law when questioned about the line of action being planned to curb driving by minors.
Shekhar said, “We are yet to receive any orders. Once we get the order, the enforcement would be ensured.”
The transport commissioner emphasised that looking at the large number of fatal accidents due to rash driving by minors, it was necessary to take strict steps to curb the practice.
He said, “It is necessary that the police and administration get tough and ensure that some parents are nabbed for their child’s rash driving. Through this, a strong message would be conveyed and people would abstain from allowing their children to drive geared vehicles before 18 years of age.”
Some schools have already taken steps to check students from driving bikes or cars. Carlyle Mcfarland, principal La Martiniere College, said: “It is a welcome move that would prove to be a deterrent for underage driving. In our school, we have banned use of geared vehicles and cars by students. If such a case is reported, the vehicle is immediately taken from the child and parents are asked to collect it. A fine of Rs 5,000 is imposed on the parents for allowing their children to drive bikes and cars.”
“You visit Gomti Nagar’s marine drive on any evening and you would find a number of young boys – many less than 18 years – doing stunts. There is no check on their speed and safety gears are also missing,” said Anshumali Sharma, a social worker.