Underage driving on the rise in Puducherry

Tragic death of minors in Puducherry highlights dangers of underage two-wheeler riding, strict enforcement and parental involvement needed.

The tragic death of two minors on Cuddalore Road after their two-wheeler came under the wheels of a public carrier has once again brought to the fore the worrying prevalence of under-age children riding vehicles in Puducherry.

The two minors, both residents of Boomiyanpet, were returning from Cuddalore when they were thrown off from their bike and came under the wheels of the bus at a spot between Ariankuppam Signal and Nonankuppam Boat House on Puducherry-Cuddalore Road recently. 

According to a police officer, the children were neighbours, and the bike belonged to one of the boys. “He took the bike key without the knowledge of his father and went for a joyride. In this case, the boy must have taken the key without the knowledge of his father, but we are seeing on the road many minor boys and girls riding two-wheeler. Several minor accidents involving juvenile two-wheeler riders have occurred in Puducherry in the recent months,” he said.

The children have a propensity for risky road behaviour such as over-speeding, taking chances while overtaking in difficult traffic situations and breaking lane discipline. Despite attempts by traffic police to rein in children from riding two-wheeler by registering cases, the roads in Puducherry, particularly the town area continue to witness many children riding two-wheelers, not only for going to school, but also for the sake of fun.

Sometimes, the children even indulge in triple ride and create scare by moving in a zig-zag manner. They risk their life as well as endanger that of of others. As per police records, 24 accident cases involving juveniles were registered in 2024 in Puducherry region. The maximum number of cases were in Traffic Police Station, East, data revealed.

“We have also imposed fine of ₹25,000 in two or three cases. But there is always pressure on us to go soft and in such cases, we detain the bike for a few days. Underage riding could be prevented if parents really want to put their foot down. Also, schools and tuition centres can take a strong stand against students coming to their institutes in two-wheeler. Initiatives by parents and schools could only curtail the menace” said a traffic constable.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Praveen Kumar Tripathi, told The Hindu that enforcement will be made strict as the tragic death of the children has brought to light the prevalence and dangers of juveniles using two-wheeler.