Tests from 2023 to catch drivers under drug influence: Transport State Minister

29 November 2022 01:46 pm - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Tests would be conducted beginning next year to detect drivers who are under the influence of drugs other than alcohol-such as cocaine and heroin, Transport State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna said.

At present, the Police check only if a driver is drunk or not using breathalyzers.

The Ministry handed over 5,000 pieces of equipment to the Western Province (WP) Police to begin the tests.

“The country is facing a problem due to the current spike in drug usage. We have identified certain parties who have been involved with this drug addiction,” the State Minster said.

“Road accidents have claimed the lives of approximately 3,000 people. This should be reduced immediately.

“Of the total accidents, nearly 400 people died due to drug addiction and the use of alcohol. We should minimize this situation while establishing road discipline among the drivers,” he said.

“Our country's road discipline has deteriorated. Our people used to drive obeying the highway code in other countries, but not in our country as the enforcement of laws is not enough,” he said.

“From January on, the Ministry has decided to implement the demerit point system,” he said. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)

Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Comments - 9

Spartacus Tuesday, 29 November 2022 01:59 PM

Lot of announcements but no action.

Lank Tuesday, 29 November 2022 02:25 PM

Another crazy joker ? What if police get bribe and the drivers get away with it ...first educate people and educate all traffic police and ask them not to take bribes ..more than 2000 accidents happen in Sri Lanka...do some research on this matter..we have limited roads but unlimited cars... Health and safety measures are very poor in Sri Lanka ..look how driving licenses are given . If you have money to pay you can get it within one month or weeks ...put some strict rules on getting DL...

DOT Tuesday, 29 November 2022 02:41 PM

There will be plenty of vacancies, if the law practice properly! All the best !

Victim of an accident Tuesday, 29 November 2022 02:47 PM

Hope the minister will walk the talk. I doubt it. There will be political pressure to delay or discontinue these tests. This is Sri Lanka.

Jef Tuesday, 29 November 2022 04:01 PM

Sri Lankan all kind of drivers sober or intoxicated have no common sense when driving before you distribute licence get them to go through driving skill test basics are very poor driver safty measures are not thought driving in wet overtaking left right turning parking seems no rules apply most accidents happen due to poor skills any way you shouldn't drive while any kind of medication that effect drugs alcohol should be zero if ABC procedures done accordingly for driver safty keep roads and pedestrians safe

Ice cool Tuesday, 29 November 2022 04:14 PM

First test some of the ministers

RuwanL Tuesday, 29 November 2022 05:19 PM

All bus drivers should be tested for use of drugs

Buddhist Tuesday, 29 November 2022 05:25 PM

First do drug tests on all MPs in the Parliament!

DJ Tuesday, 29 November 2022 11:07 PM

It will never happen. As it’s the elite that are drug users. Another joke

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Tests from 2023 to catch drivers under drug influence: Transport State Minister

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