A few days back, we were shocked to hear about a little girl who died in a car accident near mall road Lahore. Lamentably, it was a 15-years old unlicensed boy who had taken the life of this school going girl through rash driving. Unfortunately this is not a unique occurrence. In recent years we have noticed several media reports of underage unlicensed drivers zooming in their cars on the road. Over the years, our society has unfortunately become more complacent about underage driving than before, and more kids are growing up learning that it is 'cool to drive young, to drive fast, and to violate the law. The idea is that if they were to be caught by the police, a little bribe and connections in the police or military will get them off the hook in no time. Many of us have noticed young boys in literally every part of the country often riding motorcycles recklessly. But now they are also driving large buses and Lorries. In this particular case, it is easy to identify the real driver as the guilty person but little action is taken by the traffic police. Parents also have a role in encouraging their children to drive cars without license. Sometimes, it starts with a short run to fetch groceries from nearby markets, and sometimes its just a little ride around the block for fun. But before you know it, kids are given the responsibility of driving family around when elders are not available. This short-sightedness is a terrible mistake. It only increases the risk of the kid getting into a terrible accident. The result of this criminal neglect from parents and other elders is an increased danger of fatal traffic accidents that now occur frequently on roads. Underage kids are not only untrained drivers, but they can also be more prone to road-rage, over-excitement and speeding, and incapable of making split second decisions. There are some facts about under age driving: Teen drivers aged 16-19 years are four times more likely than older drivers to crash. Teens are more likely than older drivers to speed, violate red lights, make illegal turns and drive after using drugs. Accidents by underage drivers occur mostly on Friday and Saturday nights especially in the evening. There are some reasons for underage driving, like the large number of teenagers who drive just for sheer joy of driving and adventure, peer pressure and a feeling of youthful invincibility can also be a reason of underage driving. According to a research that teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use. Not only could these accidents lead to loss of life, but also can leave severe physical and emotional scars on the survivors. Kids of driving age should first attend driving schools to learn all the rules, and then they must obtain the drivers license. There is no reason for kids to be driving motorcycles or cars untrained and without a license. Police should play an active role in this situation and besides the active role of Police we are also responsible to control underage driving in our society. We have to start it from our homes, our families, and our friends. It may not be fashionable, but it is safe. Parents should know that what your children are doing and where they are and how they are traveling to and from their destinations. Parents should discuss with their children, the need to avoid peer pressure and to avoid getting in vehicles (one wheeling) with underage and intoxicated drivers. Parents should put keys where underage children cannot get them. The most important advice would be to teach responsibility by way of example. If parents drive with caution and obey the laws of the road their children will also have more respect for traffic laws. Government should also arrange special awareness programmes to inform people about road safety. KIRAN TAHIR, Lahore, February 18.