Police have taken steps to intensify inspections aimed at identifying drivers who operate vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety, W. P. J. Senadheera, said all traffic officers across the country have been instructed to intensify such checks.
According to the Deputy Inspector General, an analysis of fatal and serious road accidents occurring daily has identified driving under the influence of drugs, drunk driving, dangerous and reckless driving, and excessive fatigue as major contributing factors.
He said special attention will be given to drivers of tipper trucks, lorries, three-wheelers and passenger buses when conducting these inspections.
The Deputy Inspector General also said that several bus drivers who tested positive for drug use while driving had been arrested and produced before courts, after which steps were taken to suspend their driving licences. Legal action has also been taken against a number of conductors found to have used drugs.
Police are requesting the public to report any bus driver who is driving at excessive speed, driving competitively or recklessly, or is suspected of driving under the influence of drugs.
Information can be provided via WhatsApp to 070 47 55 600. The public is requested to send video footage in which the vehicle registration number is clearly visible.
Deputy Inspector General W. P. J. Senadheera stressed that strict legal action will be taken against those concerned, regardless of their status, based on information received from the public.
