Open House should enforcement agencies deal with Underage drivers strictly, or keep turning a blind eye?
Spread awareness on risks of tobacco use
The last thing anyone wants to see when driving down the road is someone hitting them. And if the culprit is a teenager, your first concern should be to ensure that the teenage driver is safe. Teenagers are known to be more likely than older drivers to speed, run red lights, make illegal turns and underestimate dangerous situations. Unfortunately, young drivers do not understand that in order to be behind the wheel, they must be skilled drivers who can handle a variety of driving scenarios. Unfortunately, the thrill of newfound independence, as well as the desire to show off their stunts, frequently lead to young drivers engaging in risky behaviour. A person under the age of 18 should not drive, according to the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019. Under this law, parents of underage drivers can face a fine of up to Rs 25,000 and three years in prison. Though strict implementation of the law has been postponed until August 20, law enforcement agencies must take strong action against those who continue to violate traffic laws.
Novin Christopher
Students’ safety top priority
The safety of students travelling in school buses is our topmost priority and no compromise with their safety will be tolerated at any cost. Those found violating the rules and not conforming to the norms established will be dealt with sternly. — Sakhsi Sawhney, Deputy Commissioner
Adopt zero-tolerance towards violators
The ongoing problem of underage driving, particularly outside of schools, highlights the critical need for strict enforcement of traffic laws. The Motor Vehicles Act of 2019, which was set to go into effect on August 1, includes strong measures to combat such violations, but its postponement raises concerns. To address this, law enforcement agencies must adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards traffic violators. This includes conducting regular checks, enforcing harsh penalties and raising public awareness of the dangers and legal ramifications of underage driving. Strict enforcement will not only deter offenders, but will also promote a culture of road safety. Collaboration with educational institutions can also play an important role in educating parents and students about safe driving practices. To ensure long-term adherence to traffic laws, prevention and education should take precedence over punishment. Rather than turning a blind eye, agencies should use the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act to make roads safer for everyone.
Lakesh negi
Strict enforcement only deterrent
Law enforcement must actively address traffic rule violations rather than turning a blind eye. It is critical to adhere to the new provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. Ignoring these offences jeopardises public safety and promotes reckless behaviour. Traffic laws exist to control the flow of vehicles and pedestrians, avoid accidents and save lives. Without enforcement, drivers may feel emboldened to violate the law, resulting in more accidents and fatalities. Strict enforcement acts as a deterrent, making drivers more cautious and instilling a sense of responsibility. Law enforcement agencies have the duty to protect citizens, which includes ensuring the safety of our roads. Ignoring violations endangers lives and undermines public trust in the legal system. Effective traffic enforcement is critical for fostering a safer, more orderly society.
Kulbir Singh
Set up checkpoints to dissuade kids
Driving two-wheelers and cars has become popular among underage students. They flaunt their vehicles, run red lights, make illegal turns, use mobile phones while driving, and frequently engage in reckless driving, endangering lives. Giving their underage children access to vehicles makes parents equally responsible for the crime. To combat the menace, we should keep pushing police officers to check for reckless and underage driving. Special checkpoints should be established on a regular basis to monitor underage driving. Parents should refrain from giving their vehicles to their underage children. Seminars should be held in schools to teach students about the dangers of underage driving. Schools may prohibit entry of vehicles driven by underage students. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019 redefined the penalties for traffic violations. The act’s goal is to discourage reckless driving behaviours and promote a culture of responsible road usage among motorists by imposing harsher penalties. If the various provisions of the act are implemented, the rising trend in road accidents could be significantly reduced. All high-traffic intersections should have automatic traffic lights. Helmets and seat belts must be worn while riding/driving, and mobile phones or earphones should not be used. Driving while intoxicated should be strictly punished.
RS sembhi
Safeguarding lives is shared responsibility
Cars and scooters are the fastest modes of transportation for both goods and people. Scooters and motorcycles are popular among the younger generation. In today’s fast-paced world, no one has time, so parents give scooters and motorcycles to their children, most of whom are under the age of 18. Driving motorcycles or scooters is very appealing for schoolchildren because it provides a thrill and allows them to travel quickly. However, they are not mature enough to make immediate and quick decisions. As a result, they may end up losing their precious life, which amounts to a significant loss to both their families and the nation. Safeguarding their life, is the collective responsibility of parents, teachers, local governments and the police. Parents should keep a close eye on their children and not give them motorcycles or scooters before they reach the legal age. Teachers should educate students about the risks and consequences of driving before the age of 18. They should show some documentaries about problems like severe accidents and other losses associated with underage driving. Police must be strict in dealing with underage drivers. The police should impound their vehicles and impose heavy fines not only on the underage drivers, but also on their parents under the new law. There must be strict rules and regulations for underage drivers, and police should conduct raids near schools and colleges. Every resident should accept the responsibility of dissuading underage drivers. Even after reaching the legal age, Transport Department officials such as the District Transport Officer, should issue the licence only after the candidate passes proper driving tests. We should all work together to educate minors about the dangers of underage driving. By doing so, we may save many lives.
Dr Moh Saleem Farooqui
School, communities must collaborate
Traffic enforcement agencies should take a strict stance against those who violate traffic rules, particularly underage drivers. The delay in enforcing the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019 diminishes the gravity of traffic violations and fails to address growing safety concerns. Implementing and enforcing the law strictly will deter potential violators and promote safer roads. Furthermore, education campaigns are essential, in addition to strict enforcement. Raising public awareness of the dangers and legal consequences of traffic violations can help foster a healthy compliance culture. Collaboration between schools and communities to promote responsible behaviour can complement enforcement efforts.
Tamanpreet kaur khangura
Develop transport system for students
To effectively address the pressing issue of underage driving, the administration must take stringent and well-planned measures. This problem has resulted in numerous crimes and casualties across the country, highlighting the critical need for decisive action against violators. Many students clearly violate traffic laws by driving recklessly around schools, tuition centres and public places, endangering lives. The administration should start comprehensive discussions with schools to develop a common and affordable transport solution. This would not only make commuting safer for students, but it would also reduce the number of underage drivers. Furthermore, current shortcomings in the issuance of relevant licences must be addressed to ensure that only qualified individuals get to drive. Parents play an important role in this initiative and are strongly encouraged to monitor and restrict their children from breaking traffic rules. Strict enforcement of penalties for violations will help emphasise the gravity of the situation. Additionally, organising educational workshops for students can help significantly with this effort. These workshops should focus on teaching traffic rules, the dangers of breaking them, and the serious consequences of reckless driving. By combining strict enforcement, community engagement, and educational initiatives, the administration can create a safer environment and effectively combat the problem of underage driving. Schools, parents and authorities must work together to foster a culture of responsible driving and ensure road safety.
Sehajbir Singh
Penalities should apply equally
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019 marks a significant shift in India’s approach to road safety and vehicular regulations. This comprehensive legislation, passed to address the pressing issues of road accidents, traffic violations and vehicle management, aims to create a safer and more efficient transport system across the country. As India continues to improve its road infrastructure and transportation systems, the act is an important step towards safer roads and more efficient vehicular management. As a result, action should be taken, but first, authorities must investigate the causes of each violation. People may drive for medical treatment or other emergencies. Rules should be applied equally to all, with no distinction between major and minor violations. In addition, efforts should be made to prevent bribery and ensure
fair enforcement.
Harmandeep Kaur
Existing rules remain critical
Even if the enforcement of the amended law is delayed, existing traffic regulations must be enforced to avoid accidents. Public awareness is critical in these types of cases because most people are unaware. While the new laws and amendments can help improve traffic management and safety, existing rules and their enforcement remain critical.
Japleen Kaur
Enforce changes in earnest
Underage children driving motorised vehicles is becoming increasingly and alarmingly common place, and the underage drivers pose a significant safety risk on city roads. These drivers frequently disregard traffic laws and drive at high speeds, endangering both themselves and others. Recently, there have been tragic cases in which residents were killed as a result of underage drivers’ carelessness. The most shocking aspect, however, is the lenient penalties meted out to these drivers. It is high time for traffic authorities to open their eyes and strictly enforce the 2019 amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act. To avoid such accidents, offenders should face severe consequences. To avoid these incidents, parents must take responsibility and teach their children traffic rules and regulations at a young age. To prevent such accidents, both traffic authorities and parents must work together.
Kirandeep Kaur
QUESTION
Two separate road accidents involving school buses were reported in Ludhiana last week. A seven-year-old student was killed while five others sustained injuries after a school bus rammed into a tree at Jagraon, while all the occupants had a miraculous escape when another school bus rammed into a wall at Sidhwan Bet. What needs to be done to ensure safety and security of children travelling in school buses?
Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to ludhianadesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (August 15)
