Sambalpur: Underage Driving on the Rise; Transport Department Goes Silent After Two-Day Crackdown

Underage Driving on Sambalpur Roads

Sambalpur: The issue of underage driving is growing day by day on the roads of Sambalpur. Young children, who are not of legal driving age, are driving vehicles to school and tuitions regularly. Parents are even giving their children vehicles to reduce their own burden, unaware of the consequences. Just a week ago, on the 17th of this month, two accidents were reported in the Burla area, with underage drivers behind the wheels in both cases. Overspeeding and reckless driving have led to several accidents, and lives are being lost due to negligence.

Two-Day Crackdown by Transport Department

Acting on government directives, the Regional Transport Department in Sambalpur carried out a two-day crackdown starting from July 29. During the operation, they caught 11 underage drivers and imposed fines totaling ₹2.84 lakhs. However, after this short action, the department has remained inactive. Accidents and fatalities involving underage drivers continue to occur, but there has been no follow-up or sustained effort to raise awareness.

Lack of Awareness Campaigns

No awareness campaigns or workshops have been organized in schools to educate students on the dangers of underage driving. Parents too, continue to violate the law by allowing their children to drive vehicles. Sambalpur, which sees high traffic flow due to three national highways and a state highway passing through it, is witnessing frequent accidents caused by underage drivers. These young drivers not only overspeed but are often seen riding with three people on a vehicle or talking on mobile phones while driving.

Schools Failing to Monitor

Private schools, in particular, are not taking adequate action to control this issue. Many schools allow students to park vehicles within school premises, while others park just outside school gates. This lack of enforcement is making the situation worse, and many fear that stricter measures are needed.

Nagging Issue of Underage Driving

Citizens, local organizations, and road safety committees have raised concerns over the inactivity of authorities, including the district administration, traffic police, and the transport department. Though short-term crackdowns are conducted during Road Safety Week, there is no sustained action throughout the rest of the year.

Mahendra Kumar Mishra, chairman of the Citizen Welfare Committee, expressed his frustration, stating, “During Road Safety Week, a two-day crackdown happens, and then everything goes back to how it was before. This cannot be a solution to such a serious problem.” He suggested employing student traffic volunteers to monitor underage drivers and take photographs for evidence, which could be used to control the situation.

Despite repeated attempts to reach the Regional Transport Officer, Ramdas Tudu, for comments, no response was received.

Conclusion

The issue of underage driving in Sambalpur continues to be a serious problem. Without continuous enforcement and awareness campaigns, it remains difficult to reduce accidents caused by young and inexperienced drivers. The authorities need to take strict action to prevent further loss of life and ensure road safety for all.