Although the Directorate of Transport has prescribed 18 years to be the appropriate age for acquiring a driving licence, we still come across children below this age riding a two-wheeler. There is hardly any restriction on children from their parents in this regard. However, such a practice is bound to result in a serious mishap sooner or later.
On many occasions, parents hand over the keys of the vehicle to their minor children to procure newspapers and other items of daily use. There are many instances of school and college students riding a two-wheeler without a driving licence. At times, they ride recklessly causing nuisance to fellow-travellers and pedestrians. At the junction adjacent to Sai Service Station at Curti, college students indulge in reckless driving. With no speed breakers at the junction, there is every possibility of the rider losing control of the vehicle. This is bound to cause adverse effects. At times, even three students are found on a two-wheeler. It is necessary for the RTO officials to take a serious note of this and initiate stern action against minors riding two-wheelers without a driving licence. I hope the concerned higher officials will issue a circular to schools and colleges across the State in ensuring students’ safety. Regular patrolling by traffic cops around educational institutions will help in achieving favourable results. No doubt, discipline among minor children must be imbibed at all costs.
Pravin U Sardessai, Adpai
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