'Upset mother’ calls for discouraging car racing

SHARJAH — Car racing should be discouraged because it incites youngsters to perform stunts that can be fatal, said the aggrieved mother of the teenage Pakistani boy who accidentally caused the death of his friend on Friday, when the twosome went on a fun drive without a UAE driving licence.

Asma Ali Zain

Published: Tue 14 Mar 2006, 10:23 AM

Last updated: Sat 4 Apr 2015, 7:29 PM

Speaking to Khaleej Times, the extremely upset mother said that her son did not intend to cause the death of his friend. "It was my mistake that I left the keys of the car on the table, and he decided to take advantage. If he knew that this was in store for them, he would never have taken the risk," she explained. "The boy who died was like a son to me. He used to spend more time at my house than at his. I am deeply depressed that the cause of his death was due to my son," she added.

Describing her son, she said that there were no complaints against him ever, and he is a well-mannered young lad. "My 16-year-old loves cars like crazy and gets very excited when he sees a new model," she explained.

"Sometimes, he used to criticise my driving because he thought that I could not do it well, but I used to snub him always. I have never encouraged him to drive before he could get a licence," she said.

"Every one tries to pacify me by saying that it was just a mistake and God's wish because my son escaped unscathed while his friend died in the same accident. But I know how much my son is hurt from inside because he has to relive the moment his entire life," she said.

The boy, who is at present at a juvenile home, is awaiting verdict. "My son is extremely upset because he has lost his best friend. He is in a state of shock," says the mother.

The court held the first hearing yesterday. Further proceedings will be carried on after the parents of the deceased boy return from Pakistan. S.M, the father of the deceased boy, Fahad, said: "Whatever happened is Allah's wish, and I do not blame anyone for it. I have no grudges against anyone, and it does not make any difference as to who was driving and what caused the accident because my son is no more. I will sort out the matter upon my return from Pakistan."

"In their teens, youngsters tend to ape stunts to prove that they are heroes. My son is one such example, and I am very much against car racing. I appeal to parents to keep a check on their children and not to let them speed," said the depressed mother whose elder son is a mechanical engineer and is also modelling cars.