Kaithal DC directs cops to summon parents of minors for underage driving

In a step towards ensuring road safety, the Kaithal district administration has launched a new campaign on the occasion of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti. The aim of the campaign is to achieve the goal of zero fatalities in road accidents across the district. During a monthly meeting of the Road Safety Committee held at the Mini-Secretariat, Deputy Commissioner Preeti administered the oath to follow traffic rules. Under the campaign, the officials will engage with the public actively, encouraging them to follow traffic rules and promoting a collective effort to prevent accidents. “We must act proactively to eliminate road mishaps rather than waiting for accidents to occur. Timely measures can save lives,” said the DC.

The DC directed officials to identify school buses with serious safety violations and take immediate action, including impounding non-compliant vehicles. School operators have been given prior notice to address deficiencies. "Buses that violate safety norms will not be allowed on the roads," she added.

To check underage driving, the DC outlined a two-step action plan. She said parents of minors caught driving would be summoned and given a warning and strict action would be taken as per the law after the second offence. Additionally, the schools would be held accountable if underage students in uniform were found driving. The traffic police and education officials were tasked to monitor schools and coaching centres to ensure compliance.

She reviewed the previous agenda and directed all departments to prioritise road safety issues, including filling potholes, addressing illegal parking and installing speed-limit signage.

The DC directed the officials to conduct awareness campaigns in schools and colleges, form road safety clubs and hold competitions to instill a culture of traffic rule adherence among the students.

The officials were instructed to ensure display visible "Dial 112" boards for emergencies on highways and to eliminate accident-prone zones, such as illegal road openings. The municipal officials were asked to expedite the removal of stray animals, while the Power Corporation was directed to clear loose wires from public areas.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility. With collective efforts, we can prevent accidents and save precious lives,” she said.