Speed thrills but kills

Two heart-breaking accidents in a short span of time have shaken Kashmir. These incidents, involving teenagers behind the wheel engaged in reckless and mindless driving, have claimed the lives of three precious young people. The dreams and potential of three youngsters, as well as the futures of three families, have been tragically ended. On behalf of entire humanity, I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. May the Almighty grant them sabr-e-jameel.

These chilling incidents underscore the deadly perils of impulsive behaviour, particularly among teenagers. According to figures quoted in Greater Kashmir, as many as 893 people lost their lives and 8469 were injured in 6298 road accidents in J&K last year alone. Globally as well, road accidents remain the leading cause of death for those aged 15-29, with over 1 million lives lost each year. Studies also reveal that young drivers are three times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than older drivers, often due to risk-taking behaviours and the lure of adrenaline-fueled thrills.

Islam values life as one of the highest blessings, with clear guidance against actions that threaten one’s well-being. Yet, we often throw this precious gift away to satiate our senseless euphoria. Reckless behaviour not only puts young drivers in danger but also leaves parents and families to endure the unimaginable grief of losing a loved one. Mothers endure intense pain to bring children into this world, and fathers devote their lives to raising them with care. These bonds, built on sacrifice, deserve to be honoured, not taken for a ride in fleeting moments of thrill. Addressing teenage reckless driving requires a serious, multi-pronged strategy that includes the combined efforts of parents, schools, law enforcement agencies, and local authorities. Parental involvement is a key measure to help mitigate reckless driving among teenagers. Parents should set firm boundaries by not allowing teens’ access to car keys or bike keys. At the very least, parents should discuss openly as friends the dangers of risky driving behaviours. Buying cars or bikes for teenagers is akin to buying death for them with our own hands.

Schools also have a significant responsibility in curbing reckless driving. The authorities should direct the schools to integrate road safety education into their curriculum to raise awareness among students about the risks associated with impulsive driving behaviour. Early education can instil responsible driving habits and help prevent future tragedies. Stricter licensing requirements and more vigilant enforcement of traffic laws are equally essential in reducing incidents of teenage reckless driving. With adequate road surveillance, authorities can identify and penalise dangerous driving behaviour in real time. There should be awareness messages signage at every intersection and turn of the road in addition to the traffic cops manning the spots for checking licenses and over-speeding.

Only by implementing a comprehensive approach now—one that combines parental involvement, stricter licensing, rigorous law enforcement, and school curriculum —can we hope to prevent/mitigate future tragedies and protect the lives of our young drivers and the loved ones who depend on them.

skamranmuhammad@gmail.com