Under Age Driving

According to Statistics thousands of precious lives are lost in tragic

accidents across Pakistan. Trains crushing students crossing the Railway
line, faulty engines, failure of brakes, and blasts of gas cylinders are a few
causes.

A few days ago a tragic incident happened in the society near our
residence. The deadly collision claimed the lives of six innocent people
wiping an entire family. Later on, it was revealed it might be a "chasing"
case due to personal motives. It created alarm in society and responsible
citizens felt worried about the safety of their family members, especially
women. The driver was underage, was over speeding, without a driving
license and the vehicle was also non-custom paid. It was essential to arrest
the criminal but at the same time, it was strange to see a student behind
the bars who was deceived by his emotions. His parents must also be very
disappointed on this happening. His family will pay for the crime he
committed in the heat of the moment for times to come. Younger boys have
the adrenaline rush to speed, drift, and drive like a pro but such temptations
can cost you your entire life as in the case of this poor kid.

A Senior Traffic Police Officer said to avoid further damage we will file FIR
(First Information Report) against all young drivers who do rash driving and
this FIR will result in them not being eligible for any government jobs,
difficulties, and obtaining Good Conduct Certificates. They will also face
difficulties in admission and it will be a part of their record for their whole
life. So it is also the responsibility of the parents to not give a car to their
children who are not able to drive so as not to risk own or someone else
lives.

After this incident, I followed lot of discussions in different social media

groups, where some members blamed society, Parents, and a few blamed
educational institutions. Its human psychology to learn and get excited on
new skills especially driving. You must have observed one-wheel driving
and over-speeding. Youngsters are very excited to show off their skills to
influence their colleagues and later upload reels on different social media
platforms for their personal fan following.

Precautionary Measures to be taken.:-

As precautionary measures, Housing communities have issued certain

instructions to their residents which include:-

• Do not give vehicles and motorcycles to underage and

inexperienced children so as to avoid damage to life and
Property.
• Vigilance teams have been formed which will check Vehicles
documents, speed , driving license, and identity card for
verification of age.
• On-spot fine to curb this tendency.

At the Government level, a campaign has been launched by the Police and
Education Departments. Strict actions will be taken against underage
driving and driving without a license. Thousands of violations have
occurred even after this recent incident. A few suggestions given below if
implemented will create awareness amongst the public at large for a
peaceful and harmonious Society:-

Suggestions:

• Following limitations of a learner driver be ensured.

1. He has to display the capital L in front and back of the car.
2. A valid driver's license person must sit with a Learner driver
always.
3. He must carry his learner permit with him.
• Driving learning institutions should be registered with the Provincial
Traffic Police and parents should get their children trained only
through authorized institutions. Presently the Driving instructors get
advance payment and teach driving within a week.
• Obtaining of learner and valid driving license should be given after
detailed driving tests.
• Vehicles driven by young drivers should be monitored through a
tracking system by parents.
• Surveillance cameras should be installed in residential areas to
monitor overspeeding and must alert the authorities.
• Driving tests should again be taken while renewing driving licenses.
• Awareness campaign by the Education and Traffic Police
Department
• Housing and residential societies should also hold awareness
campaigns against rash, driving while drunk and underage driving.
• Traffic rules and Speed limits should be followed.
• If you want to reach early at your destination start your journey early,
rather than risking other law-abiding citizens.
• It's better to reach late than never to reach.
• Happy Living.
•
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