Hyderabad Police Register 2,539 Underage Driving Cases and Report Seven Deaths

The Hyderabad Traffic Police registered 2,539 cases of underage driving in Hyderabad between January and May this year. The surge in minors operating vehicles has raised severe safety concerns, with authorities reporting numerous injuries and several fatalities resulting from road accidents involving children during this five-month period.

According to data released by the Hyderabad Traffic Police, 128 children were involved in road crashes in the city during the first five months of the year. These accidents resulted in seven fatalities and left numerous others injured. In addition to registering cases against the minors, authorities suspended hundreds of vehicle registrations linked to these underage-driving violations.

In response to the growing safety threat, local authorities have proposed stricter measures to deter young drivers. Among these proposals is a plan to award negative marks to students who are found violating traffic regulations. Officials hope the stricter penalties will reinforce the message that underage driving carries serious consequences.

The traffic police noted that adolescents frequently gain access to motorcycles, scooters, and cars with ease. In many instances, parents and family members act as silent enablers by making vehicle keys available to minors out of convenience or because they mistake the behavior for a sign of independence and responsibility.

Developmental factors also play a role in the persistence of the issue. According to research cited by authorities, the parts of the adolescent brain responsible for impulse control, risk assessment, and long-term decision-making are still maturing. This often leads young drivers to underestimate road risks, overestimate their driving abilities, and yield to peer pressure or the thrill of speed.

While the Hyderabad Traffic Police are pushing for stronger legal enforcement and school-level penalties, officials stressed that lasting change requires active parental supervision. Authorities urged families to establish clear boundaries and refuse vehicle access to minors to prevent further loss of life on the roads.