In a deeply heartbreaking incident this evening, two young students lost their lives and another sustained critical injuries in a tragic car accident at Tengpora Bypass in Srinagar. This sorrowful event serves as yet another reminder of the reckless practice of allowing minors to drive, which has become disturbingly common in Kashmir. It is high time for parents to take responsibility, exercise caution, and put an end to this hazardous trend before more young lives are lost.
Allowing minors, who lack the necessary maturity, driving experience, and decision-making skills, to handle vehicles is an act of gross negligence. Adolescents are naturally inclined to push boundaries, take risks, and seek thrill, often underestimating the gravity of potential dangers. They are not equipped to manage complex road scenarios or respond safely under pressure, factors that are essential for safe driving. When parents hand over car keys to minors, they are not merely enabling a joyride; they are endangering not only the lives of their children but also the safety of others on the road.
The incident at Tengpora Bypass, where two young students met an untimely death, is a tragic consequence of this carelessness. These young lives, full of potential and dreams, were extinguished in a moment that could have been prevented. Kashmir’s roads are no place for inexperienced, underage drivers who lack both the skills and the legal permit to drive. Parents must recognize that putting minors behind the wheel is a direct contribution to the rising accident and fatality statistics in the region.
Statistics from Kashmir reveal an alarming surge in road accidents involving young drivers. Despite repeated warnings and awareness campaigns by law enforcement, the trend of underage driving persists, pointing to a gap in parental supervision and responsibility. Allowing minors to drive not only violates the law but also defies common sense and respect for life. The aftermath of these incidents is a harrowing burden for families, who suffer unimaginable loss and trauma.
It is time for parents to take a firm stand: do not hand over the car keys to your children. The convenience or desire to see them happy must never outweigh the sanctity of their lives. Instead of giving minors access to vehicles, encourage responsible behaviors, instill road safety awareness, and emphasize the importance of patience and maturity before taking on the responsibility of driving.
Furthermore, authorities must strengthen enforcement against underage driving. More frequent checks, hefty penalties, and, if needed, parental counseling programs could help deter this dangerous practice. Schools, too, have a crucial role to play by incorporating road safety education and awareness initiatives that could guide young minds about the severe consequences of irresponsible driving.
It is as an earnest plea to all parents in Kashmir: do not let your child become another statistic, another heart-wrenching headline. Let the tragedy of Tengpora be a turning point. Protect the lives of your children and others on the road by keeping those car keys in safe hands. No thrill or temporary excitement is worth the irreversible cost of a life cut short. In memory of the young souls lost today, let’s pledge to put an end to this carelessness and nurture a culture of responsibility and safety on our roads.
