Strictly handle drug addicted drivers

(Baonghean) - During the health check-up for drivers of transport businesses in the area organized by the Department of Transport in coordination with the Health sector from March 18 to present, out of more than 600 drivers undergoing health check-ups, 10 cases, mainly drivers of passenger cars, were found to be positive for drugs.

An official from the Nghe An Department of Transport said the number of drivers testing positive for drugs is likely to continue to increase during health checks of drivers in the province until April 30, 2014.

In Hai Phong City, through inspection and handling of many traffic accidents caused by container trucks, such as drivers crashing straight into houses, crossing the median strip and plunging into fields... the cause was due to drivers driving continuously without stopping, possibly due to drug addiction or being "high". Implementing Directive No. 16/CT-BGTVT dated August 28, 2013 of the Ministry of Transport on rectifying, handling responsibilities and strengthening state management of automobile transportation business activities, as of January 20, 2014, 610 units and 4,247 container truck drivers in Hai Phong participated in health checks. Through the inspection, 217 drivers were found to have tested positive for drugs.

However, public opinion believes that the number of positive tests detected does not reflect the reality because the "iceberg" is beyond the control of the authorities. According to experts, "drivers who are drug addicts" pose a very high risk of causing traffic accidents. To stay awake during the trip, drug-addicted drivers often use drugs continuously, taking a small dose every few hours. In case of using a lot or not using them, they will feel "hungry or high" causing drowsiness, making driving very dangerous. In case of continuous use of heroin for a long time, one can still be awake to drive, but the senses are limited, reactions are not flexible and this is one of the causes of catastrophic accidents caused by passenger cars or container trucks...

Recently, public opinion has been reflecting a lot on drug addicts "holding the steering wheel" while driving, but most of the authorities have not yet taken measures to eliminate drug addicts from the driving force. The results of health checks on the driving force in our province and some other provinces show that the management of quality and safety of all types of transportation, as well as other issues directly related to human resource management, is still inadequate and lax; there is a lack of coordination between relevant agencies.

To rectify this work, in the coming time, it is necessary to synchronously deploy solutions, resolutely handle violations; it is necessary to establish an interdisciplinary inspection team, strengthen comprehensive inspection of passenger and container transport business activities; resolutely suspend establishments and enterprises that violate regulations and operating procedures... The Ministry of Transport should soon add the content of the regulation requiring periodic health examinations for drivers to the system of legal documents related to transport business activities; provide specific instructions on handling measures for drivers who test positive for drugs...

Minh Thu