Road accidents involving minors have become a routine affair in the city. According to figures made available by the traffic department, around 20-25 cases are reported in a month where children are involved in rash driving.

Once arrested for rash driving, apart from regular fines, in many cases parents of the kids involved in traffic rule violations are asked to attend the classes organised by the traffic department. They are told about various do's and don't their kids have to follow while driving in the city.

Jayesh Shah, a resident of New Vidya Vihar, Naranpura, who had attended such a class as his daughter was booked for not having driving licence, said, "The lectures were interesting and informative." He said when he was called for the class he thought it would be boring and a waste of time, however, after attending it, his assumption changed. "Though, we were aware about the topics, which we all had learnt in our schools, the lectures brushed up what we have forgotten."

According to traffic cops, children are not mature enough to understand the consequences of their actions. Moreover, driving for them is all about thrill and looking cool. Teenage drivers are a threat not only to themselves but also to others.

Nimesh Shah, another parent who had attended the class, said, "It has been found that children pressurise their parents for two-wheelers arguing that it would save their time in going to school and tuition classes. Parents often succumb to their pressure and buy them two-wheelers".However, after his daughter, a student of NK Secondary School, was caught driving without a licence, he was asked to attend the traffic awareness class. "After attending the class, I decided not to give the vehicle to his daughter. Now I drop my daughter to school and pick her up from there," he said.

Nimesh Shah
“It has been found that children pressurise their parents for two-wheelers, arguing that it would save time in going to school and tuition classes. Parents often give in to their demands and buy them two-wheelers.”

Classes for gurus
The city traffic department will organise a seminar starting next week in which teachers and principals from 10 city-based schools will participate. "Around 60 teachers and principals are expected to take part in the seminar. The schools where a majority of students come on two-wheelers will be asked to participate. According to cops the participants will be given some important tips on road safety.

Interesting session
Jayesh Shah, a resident of New Vidya Vihar
“The lectures were interesting and informative. Though, we were aware about the topics, which we all had learnt in our schools, the lectures brushed up what we have forgotten.”

DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication