Thiruvananthapuram: A man allegedly let his three-year-old son steer his car while seated on his lap on a flyover on NH 66 near Kazhakkootam here, with the vehicle reportedly travelling at 80–100kmph.The motor vehicles department (MVD) has initiated action against the driver. The Kazhakkoottam RTO summoned and questioned him before letting him go, and said his driving licence would be suspended shortly.According to the RTO, the vehicle driver said he had to put the child on his lap because he was crying.The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has registered a suo motu case based on media reports and sought reports from the Thiruvananthapuram district police chief and the RTO.A video recorded by people who were travelling in a vehicle alongside, shows the child sitting on his father’s lap in the driver’s seat and holding the steering wheel of the moving car. According to them, the car kept moving even after the father appeared to notice that he was being filmed.Under the Motor Vehicles Act, vehicle owners or guardians who permit minors to drive can face action under Section 199A, which deals with offences by juveniles.
