Minors driving vehicles in Pindi streets

Last year a minor caused an accident when driving a two-wheeler, injuring two pedestrians. This incident occurred two months after a similar case. It has become a common sight to see minors driving recklessly on the streets of Rawalpindi putting their and others’ lives in danger.

“What about the families who suffer the loss of their loved ones killed in these accidents? I lost my husband in a road accident caused by a minor boy on an old airport road some years ago,” says Kaneez Zainab.

“There have been numerous incidents where minors have endangered lives by driving vehicles, raising concerns about public indifference. We are becoming too lenient about minors’ driving and its severe consequences,” says Naseem-e-Zahra.

“The authorities must impose penalties that deter parents from allowing minors to ride vehicles. In addition to the penalty, the vehicle’s owner must face imprisonment and a fine. The registration of the vehicle used in the commission of the offense be cancelled,” says Zameer Haider.

“When asked about handling minors involved in driving cases, a traffic cop explained that we levy fines and take a written statement from the parents, promising not to let their children drive,” says Zil-e-Abbas.

“Minors’ driving stems from an insular upbringing. Unlike adults, minors tend to take more risks when driving. Their prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for impulse control and weighing the pros and cons of decisions, is not mature,” says Asad Ali, a doctor.

“This places the responsibility on parents. Especially, when you see schoolchildren in school uniforms riding the motorbike, it is clear that the parents are aware of the children using the vehicle. They need to be more watchful and lead by example. On the other hand, the lack of strict and consistent enforcement also paves the way for minors’ driving,” adds Asad.

“The authorities must take measures to educate children and create awareness among educational institutions and parents to curb driving by minors,” says Qasim Hasan.

“When minors drive, they take risks and drive fast. Speed thrills but kills. Civic sense and traffic sense are highly important for a good citizen and it is the responsibility of the parents and teachers to instil these qualities in children at a young age,” says Gulfam Ali.

“Minors can be dangerous for a number of reasons, including the fact that their decision-making abilities are not yet fully developed. As a result, they are more likely to engage in risky, reckless, and aggressive behaviours on the roadway,” says Sakina Batool.

Tahir Hussain says, “At the end of the day, when a minor does not have his/her eyes focused on the road, they are putting others’ lives at risk. The risks may be even greater when minors are driving with other minors, leading to further distractions and negative influences.”