Underage riding raises hackles

Trichy: Minor boys speeding on high-end two-wheelers on arterial roads have become a common sight in Trichy city with two deaths reported in two weeks standing as testament to the increasing threats of underage riding.

While many non-fatal accidents involving minors go unreported as the victims don’t press charges, even the cases booked are lenient towards the underage boys. This suppression of punitive action fails to deter others from committing the same offence.Between June 1 and July7, the city recorded three accidents involving minor boys, of which two were fatal. On July 3, a 14-year-old boy speeding on a high-end two-wheeler crashed into a pavement on Anna Nagar link road near the district court complex and died while his 16-year-old friend survived with severe injuries.

Police said the boy had borrowed the bike from a relative for a fun ride.Similarly, on June 24, a class XII boy of a govt school rode a 150cc bike near Melapudur, almost ramming a 59-year-old man on a moped coming from the opposite direction. In the altercation that ensued, the boy assaulted the man, injuring his head. The man who was admitted to MGMGH succumbed to injuries on July 5. The boy was produced before Juvenile Justice Board and moved to a govt home in Thanjavur.

Police said the bike belonged to his uncle.

The boys often ride without helmets and triples too.“Some boys go to schools riding high-end two-wheelers. Road safety clubs in schools are inactive and sensitization drives are missing. Police should intensify their enforcement and publicize the punishments,” P Aiyarappan, a road safety activist, said.In another incident, a 15-year-old boy riding a 350cc bike hit a senior citizen riding a moped on TVS tollgate service road.

The 72-year-old injured man did not file a complaint but was hospitalized for two weeks to treat a major fracture in his leg. School zones in Thillai Nagar and Cantonment have been witnessing teenagers riding sports bikes during peak hours. According to section 199 of MV Act, if a juvenile is caught riding a bike without valid documents, either the parent or vehicle owner can be booked for the offence.

However, police show leniency in booking cases considering the future of the minors.“Even booking the parent or bike owner may psychologically affect the minor. So, we get written apology letters from parents, and sternly warn them in non-fatal accidents,” a senior police officer said. Trichy city police claimed they are sensitizing parents and students during the closing hours of schools. “Minor boys riding two-wheelers are a threat to the public. Offences should be booked properly as per the law, showing leniency will only encourage them,” an advocate in Trichy court, seeking anonymity, said.