Underage driving continues unabated after fatal crash, police admit challenges

Pic: Triple riding, helmetless riding and other traffic rule violations by minors are common in twin citiesHubballi: Cases of minors riding vehicles continue unabated in the twin cities of Hubballi and Dharwad despite a recent fatal incident involving an underage rider, prompting traffic police to renew appeals to parents while acknowledging enforcement challenges.The issue came into sharp focus after 15-year-old Manish Sangalad died while shooting a reel. The incident triggered widespread panic and sympathy, with many netizens blaming parental negligence. However, authorities and residents say the situation on the ground remains unchanged, with traffic violations involving minors reported regularly across areas such as Vidyanagar, Gokul Road, Gadag Road and Keshwapur.Riding without helmets, triple riding and speeding on one-way roads are commonly witnessed in broad daylight. A traffic police officer deployed at the Arts College junction said enforcement remains difficult. "Many of these children belong either to influential families or come from socially backward backgrounds. In both cases, parents often have little control over them. When we stop them, their behaviour is rude. We usually impose fines, but sometimes they escape when our priority shifts to regulating traffic flow," the officer said.According to Hubballi-Dharwad traffic police sources, 103 cases involving minors were registered between Jan 2025 and March 31, 2026.Social activist Harshavardhan Sheelavant of Dharwad said the problem cuts across gender lines. "Both boys and girls ride bikes with two pillion riders to attend morning tuition classes in areas like Malamaddi, Narayanapur, Kalyan Nagar and Srinagar. They ride fearlessly without helmets. They often share bikes on a rotational basis to reduce fuel costs. In some cases, parents themselves encourage children to use bikes," he said.He also pointed out that a lack of patrolling during early mornings and late nights has worsened the problem. Recalling a successful initiative in Dharwad, Sheelavant said a private college had once banned entry to students riding bikes without helmets. "College managements should revive and enforce such measures in the interest of student safety," he added.Vinayak Kathare, a parent, said police should involve educational institutions and tuition centres. "Traffic police must convene meetings with tuition teachers and school and college managements to prevent this menace. Unfortunately, enforcement often appears limited to collecting fines or yielding to political pressure," he alleged.Responding to the concerns, Ravi Sheesha CR, deputy commissioner of police (crime and traffic), said some parents view vehicle use by minors as a matter of prestige. "We are conducting awareness drives and taking strict action against erring parents. In some cases, parents have even been sent to jail," he said.Statewide data raises alarmPolice department sources revealed that 27 people have lost their lives in road accidents involving minors across the state over the past three years. More than 1,800 cases have been registered against parents, and fines totalling Rs 1.7 crore have been collected. Bengaluru, Mysuru and several other south Karnataka districts account for a significant share of these cases.