Editorial | Rash driving, parental negligence

Rash driving has become a serious issue in Kashmir, especially involving minors behind the wheel. The rising number of road accidents, many of which result in tragic fatalities, highlights a worrying trend. What’s even more alarming is the role that parental negligence plays in this crisis. In many cases, it’s not just the reckless driving of minors that is to blame, but also the irresponsible actions of parents who allow their children to drive without proper supervision or legal consent.

The recent surge in road accidents in the region, with over 600 deaths reported in just nine months of 2024, underscores the need for immediate action. A large number of these accidents involve minors who either don’t have a driving license or are simply too young to handle a vehicle safely. Despite the laws in place to prevent such incidents, many parents continue to turn a blind eye to the dangers of allowing their children to drive.

Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, clearly states that if a minor is caught driving and commits an offense, the guardian or vehicle owner is liable for the violation. The penalties are severe, including imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of Rs. 25,000, and cancellation of the vehicle’s registration for up to 12 months. However, this law remains poorly enforced, and parents who allow their children to drive often escape responsibility.

Parents must realize that giving a vehicle to a minor is not just a matter of convenience or indulgence, but a serious safety issue. A young, inexperienced driver is more likely to make rash decisions, leading to dangerous situations on the road. Moreover, minors often lack the emotional maturity and judgment needed to handle emergencies or high-speed situations, making them a risk not just to themselves, but to others as well.

This problem is compounded by the fact that many parents fail to take necessary precautions, such as ensuring their children are not driving without supervision or proper training. In some cases, parents themselves are involved in encouraging their children to drive at a young age, which only increases the risk of accidents.

To curb this problem, stricter enforcement of traffic laws is needed, along with greater awareness among parents about their responsibilities. Educating parents about the legal and moral implications of allowing minors to drive could help reduce the number of accidents caused by rash driving. Additionally, schools, communities, and local authorities should work together to promote safe driving habits and responsible parenting.

Rash driving by minors is a growing issue in Jammu and Kashmir, and parental negligence plays a significant role in it. It is time for both the government and parents to take stronger steps to ensure the safety of all road users and prevent further tragedies.