Luxury vehicle reel shoots by underage drivers raise safety concerns

Defying road safety norms, the entry of underage riders driving luxury vehicles for social media reel shoots is once again on the rise in Kozhikode district. Vehicles rented from showrooms in neighbouring districts are reportedly being used for these illegal road shows conducted for filming purposes.

Police officers from the Meppayur station said they recently impounded around 10 luxury vehicles used by underage students of a higher secondary school for reel shoots and farewell party celebrations. The vehicles were traced to a private parking ground following a tip-off from school authorities, who noticed the students’ absence from class.

“Many parents are still unaware of the safety and legal implications of allowing minors to drive recklessly. Despite the seizure of several vehicles and the imposition of hefty fines on parents, many youngsters continue to violate the rules to add glamour to their celebrations,” said a senior police officer from Mukkom. He added that while the trend earlier involved luxury motorcycles, it has recently shifted to high-end cars.

Road racing using rented cars in the name of reel shoots is reportedly increasing on rural roads, taking advantage of low traffic and irregular enforcement checks. Some private grounds are also reportedly being misused for such activities.

“Some youngsters are blindly imitating stunts performed by experienced professionals in championships. Stronger enforcement drives are needed to curb such dangerous practices, which also endanger other motorists,” said a local body member from Kodiyathur. He noted that such displays influence other students to replicate the acts without professional guidance.

Last year, Kozhikode district witnessed four major incidents in which students entered city roads in luxury vehicles during Onam celebrations and farewell parties. Although many of the vehicles were impounded, police reportedly released them after intervention by vehicle owners and parents and the payment of fines.

Meanwhile, enforcement officials of the Motor Vehicles department said surveillance has been intensified on both city and rural roads to prevent underage driving. They added that road surveillance cameras would further strengthen monitoring, along with frequent flash inspections.