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| File picture of schoolgirls riding a two-wheeler without helmets in Cuttack |
Cuttack, April 14: City police will launch a traffic awareness drive to sensitise youngsters, especially schoolchildren.
The idea behind the drive is to ensure safety of the youngsters and put pressure on their parents so that they do not allow minors to drive high-powered motorbikes.
“We would carry out the drive from June soon after the schools reopen,” said assistant commissioner of police (traffic) K.C. Samal, adding that schoolchildren continue to drive vehicles beyond the permissible limits and without necessary precautions.
Officials of the regional transport office said that no person was allowed to drive a motor vehicle in any public place unless he/she possessed a valid driving licence, authorising to drive a vehicle of that particular category under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The eligibility for obtaining a learner’s licence for a motor vehicle of 50CC engine capacity and without any gear is 16 years (if the applicant’s parents give their consent). Similarly, the minimum age to apply and obtain a permanent licence to drive motor vehicles is 18 years.
However, a number of school students drive vehicles whose engine capacities range from 100CC to 125CC without a valid driving licence, which is a complete violation.
“It is the fault of parents who often bow down to the demands of their children and allow them to drive high-powered motorbikes without realising the risks involved. This is not only dangerous for the children but also other commuters,” said Manoranjan Mishra, a resident of Mangalabag. However, most parents said they let their kids drive motorbikes because they do not have the time to pick and drop their wards to and from school and tuition.
“Any Class VIII student attends at least two or three tuitions and it is not possible for their parents to regularly pick and drop them. Under such circumstances, it is the duty of parents to ensure that their children follow traffic norms and wear helmets,” said Kavita Rout, a parent.
