Underage driving study: 1-2% private school students from Classes 6 to 10 commute on bikes in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Underage driving continues to claim innocent lives in Hyderabad. In the last three months, traffic police have booked more than 5,000 cases against minors caught riding bikes or driving cars without a licence.

Two recent accidents involving school students resulted in the tragic deaths of their family members.

Family members killed in two separate accidents

In one heartbreaking incident, a Class 10 student was riding a bike with his younger sister seated in front. He lost control of the vehicle, leading to a fall that caused severe injuries to his sister.

Despite treatment, she succumbed to her injuries. Police have registered a case against the minor boy for driving without a licence and causing death by negligence.

In another case, a Class 9 student was driving a two-wheeler with his father sitting behind. The boy applied sudden brakes, causing his father to fall off and die on the spot.

The minor has been booked, and police have warned of stringent legal action against parents and guardians who allow such violations.

Parents ignoring warnings, risking children’s futures

Despite repeated appeals, many parents continue to allow their underage children to drive. Some do it out of misplaced pride in their children’s early driving skills, while others cite high school bus or auto fees as reasons for giving them vehicles. Police say many students even trick their parents into handing over keys.

A recent survey by Hyderabad Traffic Police revealed that in several private schools in areas like Abids, Secunderabad, Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, SR Nagar, Begumpet, Habsiguda, Shaikpet, and Tolichowki, 1-2% of students from Classes 6 to 10 are commuting on bikes.

Police crackdown on underage driving

To curb the alarming rise in underage driving, Hyderabad Traffic Police, under the supervision of Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Joel Davis, have launched strict enforcement drives. Between April 5 and June end, 5,040 cases were booked, with penalties amounting to Rs 41,33,850 collected. Additionally, 863 vehicle registrations were cancelled.

Police have warned that vehicle owners and guardians will face up to 3 years in prison, fines up to Rs 25,000 will be imposed, vehicle registrations may be cancelled for 12 months, and minors caught driving may be barred from obtaining a licence until they turn 25.

‘Minors cannot handle road emergencies’

Hyderabad Jt. CP (Traffic) D Joel Davis said minors lack the maturity to make quick decisions during road emergencies. “Sudden obstacles, braking, or swerving often cause panic, leading to fatal mishaps. Over-speeding and rash zig-zag driving worsen the danger,” he warned.

He urged parents, school managements, and society at large to cooperate in curbing this menace, adding, “Only with collective responsibility can we prevent such tragic and avoidable deaths.”