#TGLife
Sunday’s fatal mishap sent shock waves across the state as news of the tragic loss of three minor boys from Sanvordem and Curchorem spread. It was almost too unbelievable to be true. As per news reports, the three minor boys (aged 14 and 15 years), happened to be out on a drive and managed to traverse almost 40 kms through the city limits and across the state before fatally crashing their car near the Verna Industrial Estate.
The recent incident is just one in a long line of misadventures that brings the underage driving issue to the fore, not just in Goa but across the nation as well.
And as we commiserate the loss of precious lives, we also debate where the responsibility lies, the complete disregard for traffic rules and the importance of safe driving. Is it parents that need to keep their underage kids out of the driving seat, is it schools that need to up their game, or is it up to the Road Traffic Authority to clamp down on such road users? Is one or the other entirely to blame for these incidents?
In 2013, then transport director, Arun Desai threatened strict action and criminal accountability to parents that allow their children to drive or ride without a license. In the past two years, the traffic cell has visited the education department requesting them to inculcate or implement activities in schools that help imbibe traffic laws and safety in young minds. In response, the department of education has indeed introduced a special subject dedicated to the same in higher secondary schools and teachers have also been trained and made more aware to ensure the best learning for students.
Despite the recklessness of underage driving being made so prominent, the number of minors on the road keep increasing. In just the last two months, over 100 cases have been registered against underage drivers or riders for over-speeding and racing in Goa alone.
“Being a traffic policeman, I have been doing my best to reach more and more people to make them aware. I am also going to schools, colleges, corporate houses for the same. Despite my best efforts there are still going to be some kids who will not listen and parents cannot always be blamed,” says DySP, North Goa Traffic, Dharmesh Angle.
“Apart from courses, teachers should also put in more effort and teach this kind of civic responsibility to students,” he added.
Parents, on their part, have to be more cautious and ever vigilant. Yes, teenagers are rebellious and do not always pay heed to adult advice, but parents and teachers must persist in their efforts to ingrain in minors the consequences of rash driving and the harm that can be done not just to them but also to other users of the road as well.
CRACKDOWN VIA Motor Vehicle ACT
n Driving without licence: The fine for driving without a licence was hiked to Rs 5000. Earlier, it was Rs. 500 only
n Speed thrills but kills: If speeding excites you, then get ready to pay a hefty cost of Rs. 4000 depending upon the type of vehicle you are in
n Rash Driving: Rash driving leads to endless road accidents on a daily basis. The penalty for this has been raised to 1-year imprisonment/or fine of Rs 1,000-5,000 (for first traffic rule violation) and up to 2 years imprisonment or fine of Rs. 10,000 for the second time offender
n Drunk driving: Partying with your friends has no harm unless you break the traffic rules. Usually driving when you are drunk can lead to serious road incidents. The penalty for this has been increased to Rs 10,000
Juvenile lawbreakers beware
n In case of a juvenile who breaks the rule, the parent or guardian of that juvenile will be found guilty. In such a case, the guilty will be put behind the bars for 3 years with a fine of Rs 25,000. The RC will be cancelled as well for a duration of 1 year. Moreover, the juvenile will be restrained from obtaining learner’s license until he/she attains the age 25 years
