Bengaluru Traffic Police to Prosecute Parents as Underage Driving Cases Escalate
In a decisive move to combat the growing menace of underage driving, the Bengaluru Traffic Police has announced that it will now hold parents legally accountable for violations committed by their minor children. This stern action comes in response to a significant rise in incidents involving underage individuals operating vehicles, particularly two-wheelers, across the city.
Parental Oversight Critically Low Despite Awareness Campaigns
Joint Commissioner of Police Karthik Reddy highlighted that despite numerous and repeated awareness campaigns conducted by the authorities, parental oversight remains alarmingly low. He emphasized that many parents are either unaware or negligent of their children's activities on the roads, leading to increased risks and violations.
"We have been consistently educating the public about the dangers of underage driving, but the response from parents has been disappointing," stated Reddy. "This lack of supervision is contributing to a dangerous trend that endangers not only the minors but also other road users."
Menace of Wheeling and Dangerous Stunts Under Scrutiny
The police are also intensifying their focus on the perilous practice of 'wheeling' and other stunts performed on two-wheelers by underage drivers. These reckless behaviors have been identified as a major concern, often resulting in accidents and posing severe threats to public safety.
Reddy noted that such stunts are frequently captured on social media, glamorizing risky behavior and encouraging more minors to engage in similar activities. The traffic police are now deploying additional resources to monitor and curb these dangerous acts, with strict penalties in place for offenders and their guardians.
Legal Framework and Enforcement Measures
Under the Motor Vehicles Act, parents or guardians can be held liable for traffic violations committed by minors. The Bengaluru Traffic Police plan to enforce this provision rigorously, issuing fines and potentially pursuing legal action against negligent parents.
- Increased patrolling in areas prone to underage driving incidents.
- Collaboration with schools and colleges to reinforce road safety education.
- Use of technology, such as surveillance cameras, to identify and track violators.
- Public awareness drives targeting parents to emphasize their responsibility.
The initiative aims to create a safer road environment by ensuring that parents take an active role in preventing their children from engaging in unlawful and hazardous driving practices. Authorities hope that this stricter approach will serve as a deterrent and foster a culture of compliance and safety among Bengaluru's residents.
