Kanhangad: The police have launched an intensive drive to catch underage drivers venturing onto the roads with vehicles. Over the past couple of days alone, the Hosdurg police have caught as many as ten minors with vehicles for this offence.

Incidents of underage driving are reportedly highest in the coastal areas of the town and those caught are being fined up to ₹25,000. The drive was launched in he wake of a recent incident in which a probationary Sub-Inspector was injured when an underage driver rammed into a vehicle being shifted to the police station for a similar offence. The Sub-Inspector of the station also sustained injuries in the mishap.

Following this, the police decided to intensify action against underage driving. According to officials, youngsters below 18 years are taking vehicles onto the road without restraint and driving recklessly, often inviting accidents.

Though the Police and Motor Vehicles Department have been actively conducting awareness campaigns against this practice, many parents remain indifferent. Authorities now hope that imposing hefty fines will compel parents to rein in their children from hitting the streets with vehicles.