Driving The Jammu and Kashmir Transport Department’s advisory cautioning parents against allowing their underage children to drive is both timely and necessary. With an alarming rise in road accidents, including the tragedy in Tengpora, this move serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility among parents, educators, and authorities to ensure road safety and compliance with the law. Our road accident statistics paint a grim picture. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, underage drivers contribute significantly to traffic violations and accidents. Jammu and Kashmir is no exception. Our challenging terrain and narrow roads, combined with the inexperience of young drivers, amplify the risks. Reckless driving by minors not only endangers their own lives but also poses a serious threat to other road users. The advisory rightly emphasizes the crucial role parents play in shaping their children’s behavior. Allowing underage children to operate vehicles is not only irresponsible but also illegal. The Motor Vehicles Act strictly prohibits anyone under 18 from driving motor vehicles, and yet, violations persist. Often, parents unwittingly become enablers, handing over keys to their children, either out of trust or ignorance of the potential consequences. Beyond parental oversight, the issue demands a multi-pronged approach. Schools and colleges must integrate road safety education into their curriculum, instilling a sense of responsibility among young minds. Campaigns focusing on the repercussions of underage driving—legal, emotional, and physical—should be regularly conducted to reinforce awareness. Law enforcement agencies must also play a stricter role, ensuring that violators face the necessary legal consequences. Penalties for such offenses must be effectively imposed to deter repeat violations. The rise of two-wheelers and affordable vehicles has made access to motorized transport easier than ever. This, coupled with the glamorization of fast driving in popular media, has further fueled the desire among minors to get behind the wheel. Parents must counter this narrative by setting a personal example of responsible driving and emphasizing the importance of abiding by traffic laws. Moreover, the advisory sheds light on the broader issue of the lack of recreational and developmental avenues for young people. When children are engaged in meaningful activities, the temptation to take unnecessary risks often diminishes. Our governments and community leaders must prioritize creating spaces where young people can channel their energy positively. The Transport Department’s efforts must not remain a standalone measure. It should be part of a larger initiative to foster a culture of road safety and accountability. By working together—parents, educators, law enforcement, and society as a whole—we can curb underage driving and ensure safer roads for everyone.