Srinagar, Nov 16: A fatal accident on the outskirts of Srinagar on Thursday has reignited concerns about minors driving and the rising trend of reckless stunt biking.
The incident on Tengpora Bypass, involving a speeding Thar vehicle, left two school students dead and another critically injured, sparking widespread outrage and calls for stricter preventive measures.
“Minors driving vehicles to schools and colleges with parental approval is a common sight,” the official said, adding that such behavior persists despite efforts to counsel families. He revealed that one of the victims in the Tengpora accident had been previously warned along with their parents, but no corrective action was taken.
Another senior official from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) emphasized the enormous challenge of managing Srinagar’s traffic. With nearly 4 lakh vehicles on the city’s roads daily, enforcement resources are stretched thin. The official stated that despite regular traffic enforcement, violations involving minors persist, indicating a deeper societal issue.
“Punitive actions like challans alone are not enough,” the RTO official said, stressing the need for a cultural shift in attitudes toward road safety. He cited Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, which holds parents accountable for allowing their children to drive illegally. The penalties include a three-year jail term and a fine of Rs 25,000.
The official called for responsible parenting and urged community and religious leaders to advocate for safer road practices. He also noted that the glamorization of risky driving on social media plays a significant role in influencing minors.
The accident has sparked widespread discussions among community leaders and officials, with calls for stricter enforcement, better awareness campaigns, and a collective societal effort to reduce road accidents.
