Underage Driving: Minister warns against underage driving; govt to sensitise students | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: School and mass education minister Nityananda Gond on Friday warned school students, who are not adults, against riding motorised two-wheelers to schools. Govt will sensitise these students on the issue.
Students, who have not completed 18 years of age, need to know that they cannot drive any motorized vehicles. Many road accidents take place and students should not risk their lives and that of others, he added.A department official said several students, particularly in higher secondary schools, are riding motorcycles and scooters in violation of law.
Schools will be asked to make their students aware of the law. “Parents should arrange for safe and legal transportation options for their children,” said the officer.
Transport department has seized several motorcycles of minors in the state as a part of a state-wide crackdown on underage two-wheeler riders. They seized the vehicles of students and sent the prosecution reports against their parents to court. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, underage driving invites a penalty of Rs 25,000 and a three-year jail term for parents/guardians. The Act also has a provision to cancel registration of such vehicles for 12 months and ensure that minor offenders do not get a driving licence till he/she attains the age of 25.
According to transport department, 350 accidents were reportedly caused by underage drivers in the state in the last five months, leading to 25 deaths. A police officer said they have conducted awareness campaigns in schools. They have also issued warnings to students against underage driving.
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