Sambalpur: Schoolchildren Driving; Who’s Responsible for Accidents?

Sambalpur: Despite ongoing awareness campaigns and warnings from the administration, the issue of schoolchildren driving vehicles continues in Sambalpur, raising concerns about accidents and parental responsibility.

In today’s world, where people lack time and everyone is sure to have a vehicle in their hands for transportation, many parents provide their children with vehicles to commute to school and college. Despite the district administration’s frequent awareness campaigns, rallies, and warnings, some parents ignore the regulations against bringing vehicles to school.

The district administration has issued notices to schools and parents highlighting the ban on bringing vehicles to school. However, reports show that some parents do not follow these restrictions, resulting in children becoming victims of accidents. Sambalpur has more than 5,000 minors, including school and college students, who frequently drive without helmets.

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) has taken action in perhaps 20 to 25 cases over the past year, yet the problem persists. Due to the family’s lack of awareness, a youngster died in a bus accident in recent months, and two minors died in an accident on the Chaurpur bridge yesterday.

“Road Safety Week is observed throughout the year to prevent accidents,” says the Regional Transport Officer, emphasizing the importance of promoting safety. Strict measures are planned to combat the issue, including notices issued to schools and institutions to deter parents from allowing their children to bring vehicles. The administration is dedicated to reducing this unsafe practice and preventing future accidents involving youngsters.