Police Step Up Traffic Management During School Hours; Parents Called to Police Station for Counselling
Bacheli: With schools witnessing heavy traffic congestion during opening hours and a growing number of minors riding two-wheelers, the police have once again stepped up efforts to promote road safety and ensure smooth traffic movement around school premises.
On Thursday morning, as schools began for the day, Station House Officer (SHO) Arjun Patel, along with fellow police personnel, reached various schools to monitor and improve the traffic situation outside the school gates.
The rush of two-wheelers during school opening hours often creates congestion near school premises. More concerning is the increasing number of minor students riding motorcycles and scooters. Taking note of the situation, SHO Arjun Patel personally monitored the traffic and ensured that movement around the schools remained orderly.
During the drive, minor two-wheeler riders were stopped and counselled about the risks associated with riding vehicles before reaching the legally permitted age. The SHO also made the children aware of the importance of following traffic rules and road-safety norms.
In addition, their parents were called to the police station for interaction and counselling so that they could understand the legal and safety implications of allowing minors to ride motor vehicles.
Parents Also Have an Important Responsibility
Under motor vehicle laws, parents and guardians have an important responsibility to ensure that minors do not operate motor vehicles. Allowing underage children to ride two-wheelers can increase the risk of road accidents and may also result in legal action against the parents or guardians.
Police officials emphasized that road safety is not merely about imposing penalties or issuing challans; it is primarily about protecting young lives and preventing accidents.
The police have also conducted road-safety and traffic-awareness campaigns in schools in the past, educating students about traffic rules, responsible road behaviour and the dangers of underage driving.
Parents Sometimes Find Themselves Under Pressure
There are several reasons why minors end up using two-wheelers. Children often develop an interest in riding vehicles after seeing their friends do the same. In some cases, they insist that they should also have a scooter or motorcycle similar to their friends, and parents eventually give in to their demands.
At the same time, working parents often face practical difficulties. When both parents are employed and are unable to drop or pick up their children from school, they may sometimes provide them with a scooter simply as a matter of convenience.
Therefore, it would not be appropriate to place the entire responsibility on parents alone. However, considering the increasing number of road accidents involving young riders, it is extremely important for both parents and children to understand the risks involved.
Schools Need Special Road-Safety Campaigns and Counselling
With the increasing number of minors riding two-wheelers, schools should conduct special road-safety awareness programmes and regular counselling sessions for students.
Children need to understand not only the traffic rules but also why those rules exist. Proper counselling at an early age can help them understand the consequences of reckless or underage driving and encourage responsible behaviour on the road.
Such awareness programmes, if conducted regularly in coordination with the police, schools and parents, can play an important role in preventing accidents and improving traffic discipline around educational institutions.
An Appeal to Students: Wait Until You Are Legally Eligible to Drive
Students are being urged not to ride motorcycles, scooters or any other motor vehicle until they reach the legally prescribed age and obtain the required licence.
Wherever possible, students should consider walking or cycling to school, or travelling with their parents or guardians. Walking and cycling can not only help reduce traffic congestion around schools but can also contribute to better physical fitness and overall health.
The message is simple:
“Don’t Drive Before Your Age—Safety Comes Before Speed.”
0 Comments