PANJIM: Sending out a clear warning to traffic rule violators, Transport Minister Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar on Monday said that once the amended Motor Vehicle Act is implemented, minors involved in fatal accidents could find themselves in jail for at least three years.
The minister also warned parents against handing over vehicles to minor children, as in case of accidents, they will be held responsible and could face a jail term of six months.
Dhavalikar was addressing the gathering at the inaugural of the National Road Safety Week-2018 organised by Directorate of Transport.
“The Motor Vehicle Act is awaiting approval in the Rajya Sabha before being implemented across the country. The amended MV Act has strict rules and regulations,” Dhavalikar said.
He said, “Under the new amendment, fines have increased by almost by ten times. For example for not wearing a helmet the rider will have to pay Rs 1000 fine. In the amendment minors involved in fatal accidents could find themselves in jail for at least three years while their parents, who will be held responsible for allowing their child use the vehicle, will be jailed for six months.”
He said that despite doing much for traffic safety there are fatal accidents taking place across the State.
“India has 3 per cent of the total vehicles in the world but the accident percentage of India stands at 11 per cent. There are approximately 4.80 lakh accidents across the country and 1.15 lakh deaths every year,” he added.
Dhavalikar also urged people to make road safety a priority claiming said that the department would continue to work towards improving the roads.
“I often see that people drive on the main road even when there is a dedicated bike track on the new Old Goa highway, if people still prefer to ride outside the dedicated track then what is the use of making a separate lane?” the Transport Minister asked.
MLA Pratapsingh Rane, who was present, said that strict rules should be followed while issuing licenses. “Life is precious. Make road safety a habit,” he said, suggesting that the young should work alongside the traffic police to get a better understanding of road safety.
