Nghe An discovers 10 drivers testing positive for drugs

One of the solutions to prevent drug-impaired driving is that every year the Nghe An Department of Transport requires transport businesses to organize periodic health check-ups for drivers.

In 2018, nearly 1,000 drivers of 20 transport businesses underwent health checks. The examination process includes the following steps: checking weight, vision, eyes, color vision, cardiovascular system, blood pressure, ears, nose, throat, dermatology, teeth, jaw, face... and mandatory drug testing according to new regulations of the Ministry of Health. To prevent drivers from trying to swap or change urine samples, this step is given special attention and supervision.

Nghe An Department of Transport organizes health check-ups for drivers. Photo: Le Thanh

After two months of implementation, the results have detected 10 cases with positive results for drugs. Previously, in 2017, after examining the health of 1,485 drivers, 10 drivers were found to have signs of drug use.

"The drivers who tested positive for drugs were all employees of long-distance transport companies, taxis, and passenger cars," said Mr. Tran Anh Tuan, Head of the Department of Vehicle and Driver Management of the Department of Transport.

"Drug-addicted drivers are at high risk of accidents when participating in traffic. Therefore, the Department will send a document to business owners requesting to terminate contracts with these people. Currently, there is no regulation allowing the Department of Transport to revoke the driver's license of people who test positive for drugs, however, business owners have the right to terminate the contract with the driver," said Mr. Tuan.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hung - Chairman of Nghe An Automobile Transport Association affirmed: "Transportation enterprises support this policy to protect the reputation and assets of enterprises as well as prevent consequences caused by traffic accidents. We propose that the Ministry of Transport should amend and supplement regulations for drivers violating the use of alcohol, beer and drugs. When detecting a driver positive for drugs, we propose that the Department of Transport permanently confiscate the license to serve as a deterrent, prevention and education for other drivers."

Nghe An currently has 305 units granted business licenses for automobile transportation with 14,770 vehicles granted badges, including 706 fixed-route vehicles; 245 buses; 491 contract vehicles; 444 container trucks; 10,179 trucks, 1,916 taxis; 776 tractor-trailers with over 15,000 drivers.

2018 is the 5th year that Nghe An Department of Transport has coordinated with Nghe An Automobile Transport Association to organize periodic and focused health check-ups for drivers in the area. The health check-ups are carried out seriously, under the close supervision of Department of Transport staff, doctors and company representatives.