In India, children under the age of 18 usually live with their families in villages, cities, or districts across various states. From an early age, they learn vital social values taught by parents and elders, such as how to address others respectfully, behave properly, and show respect to seniors and juniors. This upbringing reinforces the importance of relationships and respect within Indian culture, which should also extend to road safety on Indian roads, as understanding these values can help foster responsible behavior among young drivers and pedestrians.
By the time children begin school around the age of four, teachers continue their education in discipline, respect, and values. These lessons play a key role in shaping them into well-rounded and responsible individuals.
Instilling Values: Shaping Responsible Road Users
As children grow older, they gain more freedom. They often start by learning to ride a bicycle on city roads, interacting with other commuters. Gradually, they may move on to scooters, bikes, or cars, usually guided by seniors or friends, but often without proper training or the necessary driving licenses mandated by Indian law. Many young people do not fully grasp the importance of safety measures, like wearing helmets, shoes, or seatbelts. Also Read :
While enjoying their newfound freedom, some engage in risky behaviors such as ignoring lane rules, over speeding, overloading, triple riding, and dangerous driving. Although Indian laws prescribe penalties, fines, and even jail time for parents when authorities catch minors driving, inconsistent enforcement and low awareness persist. This leads to continued reckless driving among children.
The Need for Youth Road Safety Education
Despite being taught to respect and care for others at home and school, there is no system in place to teach children about road courtesy, respecting other road users, and safe driving practices. Consequently, incidents on Indian roads are rising, with a significant number of fatalities involving teenagers.
There is a pressing need for a robust system to educate children on basic road safety measures, such as how to walk safely on roads, cross them correctly, and ride bicycles responsibly, instead of engaging in risky behaviors like bike riding or car racing on public roads.
Safe driving leads to a safer life.
Stay safe on Indian roads.
Safe Road Life
