Sun Nov 24 13:43:24 UTC 2024: ## Srinagar Crackdown on Underage Driving After Viral Accident

**Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir –** A tragic accident involving two underage students driving a sports utility vehicle has sparked an unprecedented crackdown on underage driving in Srinagar. The accident, captured on surveillance video and widely circulated on social media, resulted in the deaths of the two Class 11 students. The video showed the boys speeding and attempting to overtake another vehicle before crashing into a parked truck.

The incident has led to a multi-pronged response. Over 1,000 vehicles have been seized this week alone, all driven by underage drivers. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) has cancelled 619 driving licenses, penalized 1,600 violators, and imposed fines totaling ₹2.22 lakh. Furthermore, magistrates have issued circulars banning the sale of petrol and diesel to minors, with many petrol stations now refusing service to underage individuals.

The crackdown extends beyond administrative measures. Police are counselling parents, many of whom admit to allowing their children to drive due to busy schedules and the children’s insistence. Authorities are also monitoring social media for accounts promoting reckless driving stunts. One case involved a group of schoolboys who planned a 300-kilometre drive to Jammu for a birthday celebration.

The accident has ignited a wider debate on societal issues, including unplanned urbanization, parenting styles, and school discipline. Experts highlight the high number of road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir, far exceeding deaths from militant violence. In 2024 alone, 4,990 accidents have resulted in 703 deaths and 6,820 injuries. Srinagar itself has seen a concerning number of accidents, with pedestrians disproportionately affected.

In response to public outcry, the Srinagar administration is collaborating with schools and coaching centers to promote behavioural change. A dedicated task force is overseeing safety and awareness initiatives, while schools are implementing new policies to prevent students from driving to school. Religious leaders are also actively participating, banning underage drivers from entering religious places. The Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) has also voiced concern over the rising number of trauma cases.

The tragic accident serves as a wake-up call, prompting a comprehensive effort to address underage driving and its devastating consequences in Srinagar and across Jammu and Kashmir.

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