Police decide to act tough against underage drivers

ALLAHABAD: After receiving several complaints of rash driving by underage drivers, the traffic cops on Thursday launched a drive to check underage driving at eminent spots of the city including Civil Lines, Muir Road, Stanley Road, MG Road and Georgetown, among other areas.
Traffic inspector Indrapal Singh admitted that youths without a valid driving license indulging in rash and negligent driving was becoming a serious cause of concern.Most underage drivers driving two-wheelers or four-wheelers are also found driving without helmets and seat belts. He added that while earlier, the police only issued challans, they have now decided to toughen then stance.
Last year, around 380 underage drivers were issued challans but this failed to rein in ineligible drivers. Officials say besides ignoring traffic rules, underage drivers also drive recklessly on roads, endangering theirs as well as other road users' lives.
Recently, a 17-year-old boy was killed while trying stunts on a public road.
The traffic police have decided to rope in educational institutions to spread awareness among underage drivers. Singh said, "The traffic department has launched a drive against underage driving and the cops would also be summoning parents. Police officials are of the view that parents can play an important role in keeping a check on underage driving."
According to the Motor Vehicles Act, an underage driver is punishable under Section 180. The offence is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to Rs 1,000 or with both.