Rourkela, Aug 2: In a concerted effort to address the safety risks posed by underage drivers, including schoolchildren, the police and transport departments of Rourkela have launched a special two-day drive, taking action against 17 youngsters. This initiative aims to curb the dangerous trend of underage driving and ensure safer roads for all.
Over the past two days, a total of Rs 4.25 lakh in fines has been imposed on the parents of these young offenders. Additionally, written undertakings have been obtained from the parents, pledging that their children will not repeat the offence. The repercussions extend further, as the offending children have been disqualified from obtaining a driving licence until they reach the age of 25.
Rourkela's Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Bibha Samantasingray, highlighted the details of the operation. During the special drive conducted near various schools, six students riding two-wheelers were intercepted and their vehicles seized on Monday. On the following day, 11 more two-wheelers ridden by schoolchildren were confiscated.
RTO Samantasingray pointed out that despite repeated directives issued to school authorities and parents to prevent children from riding two-wheelers, compliance has been lackluster. Schools have merely restricted parking within their premises, leading students to park their vehicles just outside the school campuses with the tacit approval of school authorities.
The punitive actions taken are seen as crucial in preventing potential fatal accidents. Past incidents underscore the importance of this crackdown. On November 16, 2017, two school students, Jasmin Kiro (16) and Sabir Xalxo (14), lost their lives when their two-wheeler was hit by a vehicle near a school in Jhartarang, within Brahmani Tarang police limits. Similarly, on October 5, 2017, a nine-year-old boy, Adi Soy, riding pillion on a two-wheeler driven by his 14-year-old brother, was killed in an accident on the Ring Road near Singhasani temple in Uditnagar. The boys were returning from private tuition when the mishap occurred.
The recent drive aims to instill a sense of responsibility among parents and school authorities, urging them to strictly enforce rules against underage driving. By taking these measures, the authorities hope to avert future tragedies and promote safer driving practices among the youth of Rourkela.
