Police in Banteay Meanchey province will soon be testing drivers on national roads for drugs and alcohol in an effort to curb traffic accidents, according to a statement from provincial governor Oum Reatrey on September 5.
Reatrey announced that the initiative will involve police conducting urine and breath screenings on truck drivers and others transporting goods and passengers.
“The mission aims to reduce the number of vehicular accidents causing death, injury and property damage,” he said.
The governor also called for community participation to help prevent traffic crimes across the province and nationally. Although Reatrey was unavailable for further comment, officials confirmed that the action would commence shortly.
Supporting the move, Kim Pagna, country director for the Asia Injury Prevention (AIP) Foundation, urged authorities to ensure that the inspections are conducted fairly and accurately.
“The focus should be on drivers of large trucks, passenger vehicles, and trucks transporting workers. The implementation must be transparent and fair to effectively reduce accidents and casualties,” Pagna stated.
He also advised traffic police to strictly enforce the law around the clock.
As previously noted by former Interior Minister Sar Kheng, the upcoming initiative aligns with a new draft road traffic law, which would require drivers to undergo drug checks. Non-compliance could result in the revocation of the driver’s licence.
