Punjab: Enforcing the latest traffic rules prohibiting minors from driving has proven to be a major challenge for both educational institutions and the police in the area. Despite an intensive campaign launched in the second half of the year to raise awareness about the dangers and legal consequences of minors driving, a considerable number of students continue to violate the rules. Authorities have worked to educate the public about the risks involved in minors driving, stressing that it not only endangers the driver but also poses a serious threat to passengers and other road users, yet the problem persists. Many students, who are prohibited from entering schools by driving themselves, have resorted to parking their bikes and cars in private places, such as the homes of friends or relatives.
Recognizing that parents play a key role in curbing the issue, authorities have now turned their focus to involving them directly in this effort. By raising awareness among parents, officials hope to receive their active cooperation in preventing their children from driving prohibited vehicles. Apart from their continuous efforts to raise awareness about traffic rules, the police and education departments are now planning programmes to involve parents and guardians more effectively. These programmes, organised in collaboration with social organisations, are aimed at promoting a better understanding of the consequences of underage driving and encourage strict monitoring at home. DSP (Special Branch) Ranjit Singh Bains acknowledged the challenge posed by the negligent attitude of some parents towards the safety of their children. He emphasised that more efforts would be made to sensitise parents, including holding workshops and seminars during parent-teacher meetings to educate them about the grave consequences of underage driving.
