SRINAGAR: The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has pledged its full support to ongoing efforts aimed at curbing underage driving, over-speeding, and other traffic violations. This commitment follows a recent tragic accident involving an underage driver, which has been described as a wake-up call for the entire society. The Association has outlined a series of measures to address these concerns, emphasising the unique influence that schools and teachers have on shaping student behaviour.
PSAJK president G N Var said that schools have a larger responsibility in promoting safe practices among students and the wider community. To this end, schools across the region have been directed to implement a range of initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of traffic safety. These include organising workshops to educate students about the dangers of underage driving and the legal implications of traffic violations. Such programmes will feature real-life examples of the consequences of reckless behaviour, with guest speakers from the traffic police and road safety advocates sharing their experiences and insights.
The Association has also highlighted the vital role of parents in addressing this issue. From now on, discussions about driving habits and traffic violations will be a regular feature of Parent-Teacher Meetings, with schools committing to hold at least one meeting each quarter specifically dedicated to these topics. Parents will be urged to set strict rules about vehicle access for minors and to actively participate in school initiatives. Those who fail to engage with these efforts may face consequences, including potential restrictions on their children’s admissions. PSAJK stressed that such measures are necessary to protect the lives of students and others on the roads.
Collaboration with local traffic authorities will form another key aspect of this initiative. Schools will work closely with traffic police to conduct regular checks in school zones and to ensure that students are adhering to traffic rules. Additionally, anonymous reporting systems will be introduced to enable students to report instances of underage driving or reckless behaviour among their peers without fear of repercussions.
Schools have also been directed to implement strict policies prohibiting students from driving to school unless they are of legal age and possess a valid driver’s licence. Violations of this rule will result in penalties. Furthermore, awareness campaigns using posters, social media, and school assemblies will be launched to reinforce the importance of traffic safety and the consequences of negligence.
To reduce the reliance on personal vehicles, schools will encourage the use of public transport or school buses for students without licences. They will also facilitate carpooling arrangements with licensed drivers among older students and parents to ease traffic congestion and promote safer transport alternatives.
The PSAJK praised the efforts of the police, traffic police, and civil administration in tackling the problem of traffic violations. By implementing these measures, the Association aims to supplement their efforts and contribute to creating safer roads for everyone. The commitment of schools, parents, and authorities working together is seen as essential to bringing about meaningful change and preventing further tragedies.
