Every one of us happens to see many youngsters driving fearlessly on roads, not only in the lanes and by lanes, but even on the main roads with heavy traffic. By youngsters, I mean those teenage boys and girls who are still minors. The Indian laws stipulate a driving age of 18 plus, but then how come we see these minors driving without any fear? It is not just driving a scooter or other two-wheelers, but also cars of all sizes.
What could be the compelling reason for their parents to allow them to drive? Some parents feel that it is their majboori, as their children need to take tuition and in this busy world, parents do not have time. And some other parents feel that their children are more capable that they can drive at such an early age. But is it not true for every other child? And yet there are others, who feel pride not only in the fact that their young teenage children can drive well, but that their children can escape the eyes of the traffic cop.
Why do we teach our minor children to defy the laws of the land from such an early age? Why cannot we follow the rules and regulations as stipulated by the Govt. and ask our children to take pride in following them, rather than defying them.
If at all, some of us strongly feel that children are capable of driving early, we should make representations to the Govt. on this issue. Let the Govt utilize the collective wisdom all over India and decide whether it is prudent to lower the driving age to 16 or even lower it to 14. Like, some years back, the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18. Let us leave it to Govt and till it is so, let us not defy the rules.
We have already seen so many accidents in the recent past, where minors had been driving. A single mistake on the part of a minor can make the parent repent throughout his life. Others also make mistakes and other accidents do happen, but, in case of a mishap with a minor at the wheel, the parent shall carry the guilt throughout his life. Even if children want to act bold and show daredevilry, it is the parents who need to guide them right.
In fact, the parents need to be more careful now for one more reason. As per the recent changes in Section 180 of the Motor Vehicles Act, of 1989, if a minor is caught driving, there is imprisonment for 3 months or a fine or both for his/her parents. UP Transport department has issued instructions to Traffic police for the implementation of the same. But why wait for stricter implementation by the Traffic Police? Implementation can start with the parents themselves. Now that they have an added reason to do so.
