NEW DELHI: Accidents caused by drivers without licences increased by 54% between 2012 and 2014, according to data provided by the police departments of all states and Union Territories. In absolute numbers, the accident count went up from 25,463 to 39,314. In the same period, drivers younger than 18 caused between 19,000 and 21,500 accidents.
Though the official count is evidently much less than actual numbers, it reflects the free run such drivers seem to enjoy and the need to bring them to book. Teenagers driving motorbikes is a common sight in cities and towns across the country.
Transport ministry officials said local police hardly ever book such offenders or the owners of vehicles as they treat such offences as petty ones. Usually, no one favours taking action against young boys and girls, including their parents, they added.
Global studies suggest that drivers in the age group of 16-19 are four times more likely to crash in comparison to older drivers. Moreover, teens are more likely to speed, jump traffic lights, take wrong turns and drive after consuming alcohol or drugs.
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