It is a dream of a teenager to drive a powered two wheeler (PTW). Admission to junior college (class XI) seems to provide such an opportunity. Many parents feel obliged to buy a gearless two wheeler for their wards after their successful completion of class X. While majority buy one without hesitation, riding a PTW poses risk to health and safety of young adolescents. As per the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, it is illegal for underage to drive a vehicle and the owner and/or the parent is liable for fine and imprisonment [1].

A teenager is more prone to road traffic accidents due to adrenaline surges. Traffic congestion, wrong side driving, lane cutting and violating traffic signals is a common sight on Indian roads. Underage driving is not only a threat to self but also to others. Road accidents cause injuries, fatalities, disabilities and hospitalization. The award of compensation to be paid by the insurance firms to the victim or to family in accident cases also does not hold if the driver is underage.

Amongst the vehicle categories, two-wheelers accounted for the highest share in total road accidents (28.8%) and fatalities (31.5%). It is a sad reflection of current traffic scenario that every hour, 57 accidents and 17 lives are lost in our country [2]. The traffic police act only during ‘surprise drives’ and when caught the adolescents know how to circumvent the law. Poor implementation of law and violation of law seems to be a common practice.

We as health care providers must safeguard our young generation. Professional bodies must sensitize, educate and raise awareness about road safety amongst parents, adolescents and general public. There is need to incorporate traffic education and menace of minor driving in school curriculum. We must advocate and promote safety culture. We must have zero tolerance towards teenage driving for legally and morally they have to wait until they turn 18 before they can ride a powered two-wheeler.

1. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Available from: https://transport.maharashtra.gov.in/1174/Acts-and-Rules? Doctype=4aedb1bd-9983-4096-baca-05ddace272b9. Accessed June 26, 2018.