Kanchanpur Traffic Police Intensify Crackdown on Drug-Impaired Drivers to Curb Highway Accidents

Kanchanpur. To prevent the increasing risk of traffic accidents in the main highway areas of the district, the District Traffic Police Office has intensified action against drivers operating vehicles under the influence of narcotics (drug use).

The police have been conducting special inspection campaigns targeting drivers who operate vehicles after consuming narcotics. According to Police Inspector Balendra Nath, Chief of the District Traffic Police Office, 22 drivers have been prosecuted since last Kartik (mid-October/November) for driving under the influence of narcotics.

In the course of this campaign, just yesterday, four drivers were found operating vehicles while under the influence of narcotics during a surprise check conducted on the East-West Mahendra Highway.

Police Inspector Nath informed that out of 16 drivers tested during the check, which was conducted with technical support from the Health Office and Mahakali Hospital, four were confirmed to have consumed narcotics. According to him, the arrested drivers have been sent to the District Police Office for necessary action.

He stated that driving under the influence of narcotics is not just a traffic violation but a serious crime and a gamble with public safety. The police use a 'Drug Detection Kit' for narcotics testing.

“In this technology, a sample of the driver's saliva is collected and tested, which immediately reveals whether the driver has consumed narcotics or not,” said Police Inspector Nath. If consumption is confirmed, legal proceedings are initiated by filing a case under the Narcotics Act.

Previously, only checks for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) were conducted, but now that narcotics testing has begun under medical supervision, drivers operating vehicles after using narcotics are being brought under the legal framework.

According to him, drivers under the influence of narcotics experience effects on their nervous system, weakened decision-making ability, delayed reaction time, and visual hallucinations, leading to an extremely high risk of accidents.

The Kanchanpur District Traffic Police Office conducts surprise checks regarding narcotics use two to three times a month in the highway areas and continues daily DUI checks in the evenings.

“This has helped raise awareness among drivers and contributed to accident reduction,” said Police Inspector Nath, adding, “This action, along with prosecution, is also spreading awareness about road safety.” He mentioned that the main objective of conducting narcotics checks on the road is to reduce accidents and ensure the safe travel of passengers.

He stated that the campaign for narcotics and alcohol testing will continue in the coming days to reduce accidents on the highway and discourage the practice of driving under the influence of narcotics.