SRINAGAR, November 3: The National Child Development Council (NCDC) Core Committee has called for sustained road safety awareness programmes in schools and greater parental supervision to address underage driving.
During a discussion on the issue, members stressed the need to educate students, parents and teachers about traffic regulations, the risks of allowing minors to drive and the legal consequences of underage driving.
One member proposed regular awareness programmes, seminars and campaigns in educational institutions with the participation of traffic police and Motor Vehicles Department officials. The member also urged parents not to hand over vehicles to children below the legally prescribed driving age.
Referring to two recent road accidents involving young drivers, another member said the incidents highlighted the need for greater awareness among students. The member also expressed concern that social media content, including YouTube videos and Instagram reels depicting risky driving, could influence young people.
Members called for road safety education to be incorporated into the school curriculum, covering traffic rules, civic responsibility and respect for the safety of others.
The discussion also focused on parental responsibility, with members emphasising the need to monitor young drivers and ensure they follow traffic regulations. They called for frequent awareness activities in educational institutions and effective enforcement of existing rules.
Some members also raised concerns about road conditions and maintenance, arguing that infrastructure-related issues should be addressed alongside efforts to improve driver behaviour. One participant suggested reconsidering aspects of the minimum driving age and licensing system to provide young people with opportunities for structured awareness and training.
A member also referred to the Juvenile Justice Act and called for a review of the legal framework governing minors involved in offences, including consideration of different age groups.
The committee stressed that road safety awareness should extend beyond schools to families, neighbourhood groups, community organisations and government departments.
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