Why teenagers should not be behind the wheel

The tragic death of Muhtasim, a promising BUET student, has once again highlighted a disturbing trend that plagues our society — the reckless behaviour of teenagers who are allowed to drive cars, often with disastrous consequences.

Muhtasim's life was cut short when a car driven by a drunk teenager ran him over at a police checkpost. Reports indicate that the driver, the son of a senior ex-army official, was accompanied by two other teenagers, one of whom was also intoxicated. This heart-wrenching incident is not isolated but rather a symptom of a more significant problem that demands immediate attention.

The more shocking news was the actions of the driver's mother, who requested to file a police case but not to put this on social media as it may ruin her son's career!

The mother's statement was a tremor over a big shock.

I tried looking for how many people between the ages of 12 and 20 died in a road accident in Bangladesh in 2024. How many were killed in motorbike accidents, and how many died in a car crash?

I was not surprised to learn that no comprehensive data on road accident fatalities in Bangladesh for 2024, explicitly detailing age groups and vehicle types, is available. However, based on reports from earlier in the year, I got some insights.

Between January and June 2024, approximately 5,619 students died in road accidents, accounting for 16.29% of all road accident fatalities. (Source: TBS)

In April 2024, motorcycles were involved in 316 accidents, resulting in 259 deaths, constituting 38% of the total fatalities for that month. (Source: TBS)

And from January to March 2024, 1,464 road accidents led to 1,367 deaths and 1,778 injuries!

The culture of privilege and recklessness

Teenagers flaunt branded cars in affluent neighbourhoods like Mirpur DOHS and Gulshan, often gifted by their indulgent parents. These young drivers, lacking maturity and responsibility, are often seen racing late at night, playing loud music, and creating chaos on the streets. 

The nightlife around Gulshan 2, especially between 10pm and 3am, is rife with scenes reminiscent of a Fast and Furious movie — cars roaring through the streets, endangering lives, and shattering the peace.

Such behaviour is not just a nuisance but a recipe for disaster. Wealthy parents, perhaps to satisfy their children's desires, often fail to realise the consequences of their indulgence.

The younger generation has increased demand in rural areas and communities. In numerous instances, if a girl passes the SSC exam with a GPA of 5, her parents must buy her a smartphone so that she may create reels, whereas boys prefer a motorcycle. There have been reports of these young children committing suicide since their parents could not meet their expectations!

In the outskirts, these young boys race their motorcycles, often speeding on the highway with buddies in the pillion and, in most cases, without helmets. God knows how many of their parents had the unfortunate experience of crying over their beloved son's body. 

Providing a teenager with an expensive car or a sports bike and free rein without instilling a sense of responsibility is akin to handing them a loaded gun.

Why teenagers should not drive

Lack of maturity and judgment: Teenagers, by virtue of their age, lack the emotional and cognitive maturity to make sound decisions, especially in high-pressure situations. This makes them more prone to reckless driving, speeding, and ignoring traffic rules.

Influence of peer pressure: Teenagers often seek validation from their peers, leading to risky behaviours like racing or driving under the influence of alcohol. The tragic incident involving Muhtasim is a stark example of how peer pressure can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Inexperience: Driving requires experience and a thorough understanding of road safety. Teenagers just beginning to learn are likelier to make mistakes that can have fatal consequences.

Alcohol and substance abuse: Underage drinking is a pervasive issue and combining it with driving is a lethal mix. Allowing teenagers to drive not only endangers their lives but also the lives of innocent pedestrians and other drivers.

Parental responsibility: Where are we going wrong?

Parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children's behaviour. In many cases, it is the parents' negligence or misplaced priorities that lead to such reckless actions:

Parents often believe thawing their children with expensive gifts, such as cars, shows love and care. However, this only fuels a sense of entitlement and irresponsibility.

Looking the other way, many parents fail to monitor their children's activities or enforce boundaries, allowing them to engage in dangerous behaviours unchecked.

When parents shield their children from the repercussions of their actions, it reinforces a sense of invincibility and impunity.

The role of society and law enforcement

While parents bear primary responsibility, society and law enforcement agencies also have a critical role to play:

Enforcing traffic laws: The authorities must strictly enforce laws prohibiting underage driving and drinking. Regular checks and penalties can deter such behaviours.

Community vigilance: Residents in neighbourhoods like Mirpur DOHS and Gulshan must take collective action to address the menace of reckless driving. Reporting incidents and engaging with local authorities can help curb such activities.

Awareness campaigns: Schools, colleges, and community organisations should conduct awareness programs highlighting the dangers of underage driving and the importance of road safety.

A call to action for parents

As guardians, it is our responsibility to protect not only our children but also the lives of others. Here are some steps parents can take to prevent such tragedies:

Prohibit driving until 18: Ensure that teenagers are not allowed to drive until they are legally permitted and mature enough to handle the responsibility.

Provide a designated driver: If transportation is necessary, hire a driver or take the responsibility yourself.

Set boundaries: Limit car access, monitor their activities, and communicate the consequences of reckless behaviour.

Educate about responsibility: Teach children the value of life, both theirs and others, and the importance of respecting the law.

The bigger picture: A collective responsibility

One guardian's negligence can cost another family their child. The pain of losing a loved one to preventable negligence is unimaginable. Muhtasim's death is a wake-up call for all of us to act sensibly and responsibly.

This issue is not just about one family or one incident — it is about the safety and future of our society. Let us work together to ensure no more lives are lost to recklessness and negligence. Let us teach our children that responsibility, not privilege, is the accurate measure of maturity.

Only then can we create a safer, more compassionate world for everyone.

Shafiq R Bhuiyan is the Vice President of Communication and CSR at BRAC Bank PLC.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.