Police launch crackdown on minor drivers; parents to face strict action

ALAPPUZHA: Underage drivers taking vehicles onto the roads to make reels and impress their friends will face strict action. The police and Motor Vehicles Department have launched a crackdown to put an end to reckless driving by minors, which puts their own lives and those of innocent people at risk. 55 underage drivers were caught during a special drive conducted by the police in the Kannur range the other day. Following this, the authorities have decided to continue the enforcement drive.

Despite several serious incidents, minors continue to drive on public roads, often with the knowledge of their parents. In the Cheranalloor case, a 17-year-old boy allegedly drove a car that hit a scooter, killing its rider. The boy's father, who is a judge, was also named as an accused in the case. In another case dating back three years, the Muvattupuzha Motor Accident Claims Tribunal directed the parent of a 16-year-old boy to pay Rs 29 lakh in compensation to the family of a pedestrian who died after being hit by a scooter driven by the minor. The death of three people in a car accident at Nedumbassery involving a 19-year-old driver also triggered widespread public concern. However, such incidents have not stopped parents from allowing their children to drive.

The latest incidents include the deaths of two minors, aged 17 and 16, in scooter accidents at Kulathupuzha and Iringath in Kozhikode. In Kazhakkoottam, a man was also caught driving a car while allowing his three-year-old grandson to sit on his lap and steer the vehicle.

In Adoor, a case was registered against the mother of a 16-year-old boy after he and his friends allegedly drove a car at high speed and recorded reels. The car, registered in the mother's name, was seized. Action was also taken against a Kollam native who had sold a scooter to a group of four youngsters after they were caught riding it recklessly.

The inability to handle unexpected situations on the road is one of the major reasons behind accidents involving underage drivers.

Steps to end the deadly practice

• Parents should never allow their children to use vehicles if they do not have a valid driving licence.
• Schools should completely prohibit students from bringing vehicles to their campuses.
• People who spot minors driving should inform the police or the Motor Vehicles Department.

Despite strict laws, violations continue

• The Motor Vehicles Department has registered 49 cases involving underage drivers since 2024. Of these, 12 cases were registered this year.
• Under the law, parents or vehicle owners can face punishment if a minor drives their vehicle and causes an accident. The punishment includes imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 25,000. The vehicle's registration will also be cancelled. The minor will not be eligible to obtain a driving licence until the age of 25. A case will also be registered against the child under the Juvenile Justice Act.

Tamil Nadu tops list of cases involving minors

The following are the number of cases involving underage drivers registered in four southern states during 2023-24:

State.................................Cases
Tamil Nadu.......................2,063
Andhra Pradesh...............766
Karnataka.........................751
Kerala...............................645

"Awareness programmes will be conducted for children. Petrol pumps should not supply fuel to minors who do not have driving licences. Inspections and enforcement will be strengthened around schools and colleges as well as on roads," said Transport Commissioner Sparjan Kumar.