PANJIM: “Enforcement is deterrence and deterrence is the best way to create awareness,” said Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Bossuet Silva.
SP Silva was speaking on the backdrop of the recent fatal accidents in the State involving minors. He informed that the instructions have been sent to all the traffic police cells of semi-urban and rural areas to check riders for driver’s licences and to start process of prosecution of defaulters.
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Recently, two fatal accidents were reported at the Vasco police station jurisdiction, wherein minor driver and rider were involved. In the first accident that occurred on November 25 at Chicalim, the minor driver of a car knocked down a two-wheeler killing the rider on the spot. On December 12, at New Vaddem, a minor rider of a motorcycle, dashed against a pedestrian, who succumbed to injuries.
In both the above cases, the owners of the vehicle involved in the accident were arrested by the Vasco Police and sent to police custody under section 199-A of Motor Vehicle Act 1988 for knowingly allowing a minor to ride his/her vehicle.
SP Silva has said rural and semi-rural police traffic cells have been instructed to do random checking of vehicles for helmet and also to check underage riders. “Deterrence is the best awareness,” he said.
For underage driving, a fine of amount of Rs 5000 is imposed upon the driver/rider and additional fine of Rs 5000 is imposed on the owner for allowing unauthorised person to drive/ride his/her vehicle. Further, a report has been sent to the concerned Assistant Director of Transport for cancellation of the registration of the motor vehicle used by the minor in commission of the offence and the said minor will not be eligible to obtain Learner’s Licence or Driving Licence until he/she attains age of 25 years.
