Drug tests alone can’t curb road accidents

Leaders of various public transport organizations over the weekend said they are willing to encourage their respective drivers to undergo drug testing as suggested by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Dionisio Santiago, but claimed that such move is not enough to curb the escalating incidents of deadly road accidents in the country. According to Rep. Vigor Mendoza of the United Transport Alliance Koalisyon (1-UTAK), having public utility drivers undergo regular drug testing is just part of the solution. He noted that there are other factors that need to be addressed.

Santiago made the suggestion to leaders of transport groups in light of the recent tragedy involving an Eso-Nice bus, which fell into a 150-foot deep ravine in Barangay Banangan, Sablan, Benguet last week, killing 42 passengers. The PDEA chief raised concern over the alarming increase in drug-related road accidents around the country.

Drivers’ academy

Mendoza, however, noted that while drug testing is necessary, the government should consider a wider approach in solving the problem such as the establishment of a drivers’ academy could improve the situation.

He said 1UTAK has long been pushing for the establishment of a driver’s academy where all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers would be required enroll before they can be hired by transport companies.

“We have been pushing for this academy since 2005 . . . we hope that the Department of Transportation and Communication and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, will consider this suggestion now,” Mendoza said in an interview. He explained that a driver’s academy would not only improve the skills of PUV drivers, but also help them in values formation.

The academy will also be responsible for the establishment of a driver’s data bank that can be accessed by transport companies that are looking for new drivers.

Blacklisting

For his part, Homer Mercado, president of the Southern Luzon Bus Operators Association also welcomed Santiago’s suggestion, but noted that his organization has been conducting random drug testing to drivers even before the accident happened. Mercado cited that drivers who were found to be positive for drug use were required to undergo a three-month rehabilitation before being tested again.

In case a driver was tested positive for drug use for the second time, he will no longer be eligible for hiring anymore and will be blacklisted, Mercado explained.

“We are one with the government in eradicating the transport sector of drug dependents because apart from negatively affecting our business, these erring drivers are putting the lives of passenger in danger,” he explained in a separate interview. –JEFFERSON ANTIPORDA, Manila Times