Many heavy vehicle drivers consume liquor, drugs while driving: NTMI

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

Around 10% of heavy vehicle drivers have been found intoxicated while driving their vehicles while some others use drugs, the National Transport Medical Institute (NTMI) Chairman Dr. Shavendra Gamage said.  According to his assessment, a majority of them were between 20 and 30 years of age and earn a moderate income.  

He said not only heavy vehicle drivers but also bus drivers should be subject to urine tests to ascertain whether they are addicted to alcohol or drugs.   A pilot program to test these heavy vehicle drivers was conducted during the past year and has now been completed.  

Despite the NTMI’s aim to continue the programme, Dr. Gamage stated that funds needed for this purpose are insufficient.  

During the tenure of Transport State Minister Dilum Amunugama (2021), medical tests were made compulsory for drivers who were expecting to obtain new driving licences and during licence renewals.