Davanagere: The death of two minors in a car crash on NH-48 near Bada Cross on Friday morning has brought parental responsibility and underage driving under scrutiny in the district.A 14-year-old boy, allegedly behind the wheel, and a 17-year-old passenger died after their car rear-ended a CNG transport container on the city’s outskirts. Another minor, aged 15, survived the crash. Police said the car belonged to the surviving boy’s parents, who were reportedly out of town when the youngsters took the vehicle for a drive. The incident has renewed concerns over minors accessing vehicles and the need for greater parental vigilance.The tragedy has shaken residents, particularly as both deceased boys were reportedly the only sons of their parents. Locals said the crash was not merely an accident but a warning about vehicles being accessible to children who neither have driving licences nor are mature enough to understand road risks.District police data show that 12 parents were fined Rs 25,000 each between 2024 and 2026 for allowing minors to drive. Two such cases were booked in 2024, seven in 2025 and three in 2026. Though enforcement has continued, citizens say penalties alone have not stopped school and PU college students from riding scooters and motorcycles and even driving cars at speed within city limits and on highways.Davanagere SP Shekhar HT said action would be intensified against underage driving and adults who permit it. “Parents and vehicle owners must ensure that minors do not ride/drive motor vehicles in violation of the law. Cases will be registered against violators under the Motor Vehicles Act,” the SP said.Under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, guardians or vehicle owners can face legal consequences when a juvenile commits an offence involving a motor vehicle. The provision allows a fine of Rs 25,000 and imprisonment of up to three years in specified circumstances.
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