Drivers nationwide will be required to take drug tests.

This was confirmed by Mr. Nguyen Hoang Hiep, Vice Chairman of the National Traffic Safety Committee. According to him, drug testing aims to eliminate drivers who are not in good health from participating in transportation and to ensure traffic safety.

Drivers will have to undergo rigorous health examinations (photo for illustrative purposes only: Hong Nhung)

In fact, periodic health checkups for drivers have been piloted in Hai Phong City and have yielded quite positive results. Through this pilot program, the Hai Phong Department of Transport has disqualified 217 drivers who did not meet health requirements, including many who tested positive for drugs.

Mr. Hiep stated that the current Road Traffic Law prohibits drivers from using addictive substances and drugs while driving. The law also completely prohibits driving a vehicle while testing positive for drugs in the blood or breath, with penalties ranging from 8 to 10 million VND and a 24-month suspension of the driver's license.

“In reality, many traffic accidents occur because drivers use addictive substances, leading to impaired mental faculties while driving and causing accidents. However, because it is difficult to determine the cause 100% of the time, the cause is often attributed to the driver losing control, drowsiness, or speeding… Incomplete survey data shows that the rate of drug addiction mainly occurs among long-distance truck drivers transporting goods and container trucks,” Mr. Hiep said.

Recently, Prime Minister's Directive 12/CT-TTg requires transportation businesses to organize regular and unscheduled health checks for their drivers, primarily those driving fixed-route passenger buses, city buses, taxis, and container trucks; and to identify and remove from the workforce any drivers who use drugs, alcohol, or beer while operating vehicles.

Therefore, Mr. Hiep affirmed that in 2014, regular health checks, especially drug testing, will be implemented for drivers, primarily those in passenger transport and container trucking.

Regarding the feasibility of nationwide implementation, Mr. Hiep believes it is achievable. The National Traffic Safety Committee will require the decisive involvement of the specialized unit, the Ministry of Health, and will establish clear conditions and regulations to ensure that drivers who do not meet health requirements are removed from service to guarantee traffic safety. This work also requires the active cooperation of transportation businesses.

"Regular health checkups for drivers not only ensure traffic safety but also provide a basis for better management of transportation businesses, including requiring businesses to sign contracts when employing drivers," Mr. Hiep added.

It is known that on February 25th, the National Traffic Safety Committee will hold an online meeting with all provinces and cities nationwide on the work of ensuring traffic safety in the first quarter of 2014, with special attention paid to the health checks and drug tests for drivers. The meeting will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the Government Office.

According to Dan Tri