Raise your underaged kids right, or you just might do time for their crimes
Underaged driving has once again tragically underscored the consequences of parental neglect, as a stunt gone horribly wrong claimed the lives of two 13-year-old friends. The fatal accident occurred last night near the Elmina Business Park in Sungai Buloh when the teenagers, both riding motorcycles, collided during a dangerous wheelie stunt.
According to Supt. Mohd Hafiz Muhammad Nor, the Sungai Buloh police chief, the incident took place at approximately 11:20 PM. The two young riders, on Yamaha Lagenda and Yamaha Ego Solariz motorcycles respectively, were performing a wheelie (a motorcycle stunt where the front wheel is lifted as one still rides on the rear wheel), when they collided head-on.
Moreover, this manoeuvre, often associated with illegal street racers known locally as “mat rempit,” was performed at dangerously high speeds. Tragically, the impact of the collision was fatal, and both teenagers died at the scene. A post-mortem examination was conducted at Sungai Buloh Hospital, and the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Supt. Hafiz Muhammad Nor emphasised the need for parental or guardian intervention to prevent such tragedies. He urged parents and guardians to exercise stricter control over their children, particularly minors, to prevent them from engaging in illegal and hazardous night racing activities.
These reckless behaviours not only endanger the lives of the participants but also pose a significant risk to other road users. Regarding accountability for underaged driving (or riding), Supt. Hafiz noted that guardians of the minors involved could face legal consequences. Under Section 39 of the Road Transport Act 1987, it is an offence for individuals under the age of 16 to operate a motor vehicle without a valid licence.
On top of that, guardians can be held responsible for allowing or failing to prevent their underage children from engaging in such illegal activities. This tragic event highlights the urgent need for increased vigilance and responsibility from both parents and authorities to curb the prevalence of underaged driving and illegal racing.
Ensuring that young individuals are kept away from these dangerous activities is crucial for preventing future tragedies and safeguarding public safety. So parents, just because your kids are underaged does not mean they are exempt from facing the consequences of their actions. Remember that.
We got all this from Bernama and their full article is linked here. Thank you Bernama for the information and images.
