Heavy-duty vehicle operators may soon be obligated to undergo substance testing bi-annually as part of measures aimed at curbing tanker and trailer collisions across Nigerian highways.
This development stems from a proposed law currently under review by members of the House of Representatives, as revealed by Peter Uzokwe, the legislator representing the Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency of Anambra State.
Addressing attendees on Tuesday, Uzokwe, who authored the proposed legislation, stated that substance abuse continues to be a primary factor in traffic accidents involving heavy freight vehicles.
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He made the remark during an engagement with key industry stakeholders, including the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).
“It is in my bill, coming up for second and third reading, that all truck drivers should be tested for drugs at least once every six months,” he said.
“You can train a driver who is a drug addict. He may drive well, but once the substance takes control, he will no longer drive the way he was trained.
“You can see the trailer and tanker accidents we are having. These are things that can be prevented if drivers are in their right senses.”
