Newz Desk, Durgapur: A fresh incident of underage riding is in rise, which is a growing concern over road safety among school-going teenagers in Durgapur and specifically in Bidhannagar locality. Within 2-3km radius there are 6-7 schools in Bidhannagar. Most of the students spotted ridding are from private english medium schools.
According to traffic authorities, underage driving is no longer a stray episode but an increasingly common trend. “What worries us is the casual attitude. The minor clearly didn’t have a licence, yet the vehicle was handed over to him,” a senior traffic official said. The law places significant responsibility on parents or guardians in such situations. Under the amended Motor Vehicles Act, allowing a minor to drive can lead to steep fines, possible suspension of registration, and even legal action. Penalties may include up to ₹25,000 and proceedings against the vehicle owner for negligence.
Child psychologists and road safety experts argue that the issue extends beyond legal violations. They point to a pattern where parents, intentionally or unknowingly, encourage risky behaviour by offering two-wheelers to minors under the belief that “short distances won’t matter.” This not only endangers the child but also other road users.
Police Stress Parental Accountability
Authorities say they will intensify checks near schools and coaching centres, where such violations peak. Parents, they emphasise, must take greater responsibility. “A motorbike is not a toy,” an official remarked. “If a child is on the road illegally, the fault begins at home.”
Strict Campus Monitoring
Many schools have started deploying staff near gates during arrival and dispersal times to ensure that no student rides to school on a two-wheeler. Some institutions have introduced mandatory ID checks for students arriving on vehicles and reporting any violations to the school administration.
“We cannot allow students to endanger themselves. Any student found riding a motorcycle to school faces disciplinary action,” said a school principal in Ranchi
