The increasing strictness towards traffic violation started a spree among vehicle users to complete the necessary documentation, but is far from yielding the desired results. Parents are more worried about their minor wearing helmet rather than realising the fact that just allowing their minor child to drive or ride, they, too, are being subjected to punishment that can lead them to prison.
However, most of the parents think that the public transport system in Dehradun is so unreliable that they have got no other choice.
To most of the students riding or driving is more about convenient mode of transport than something to show off.
A student of a private school at Subhash Road said, “The point is some of the people who have got driving license are not aware of other traffic rules. They jump red light and don’t know how to balance their two-wheelers properly. When I can properly handle it, I am wearing helmet and carrying all necessary documents of the vehicle then what is the problem? The rule of a minor not allowed to ride is outdated. Our school is planning to allow two-wheeler riders to park inside the campus if they have got all the documents.”
A student from a private school in Nehrugram said. “I come to school on my bicycle. However, bicycles are convenient for short distances. It takes longer to cover long distances on a cycle. Soon after I am of age I will want a motorbike.”
Another student from the same school said, “The bicycle I liked was costing about Rs 20,000. So, my parents said that after I turn 18 they will just add few more bucks and buy me a scooty.”
Few parents who said that in daytime children can come home through public transport, but as they go to coaching classes and get late, there is not reliable public transport till suburban areas during late hours.
Clinical psychologist, Dr Mukul Sharma said that one of the biggest reasons is peer pressure. If their friend has got a shiny new motorbike, they would want one as well. The parents also feel that as they were deprived of resources in their childhood, they shall give everything in their power to their kids.
However, a life is much more valuable that such momentary happiness, he added.