Govt re-introduces breathalysers in bid to reduce road accidents

A police officer subjects a man to an alcoblow test during the launch of the programme on February 12, 2005. PHOTO | FILE  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Police who will administer tests on motorists will use disposable mouth pieces when checking the level of alcohol
• The breathalysers was originally introduced through legal notice number 138 of October 2011 and each costs Sh185,000

By OUMA WANZALA
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The government on Monday re-introduced breathalysers, commonly known as 'alcoblow', as a measure to reduce the number of road accidents in the country, a trend that has been attributed to drunk driving.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure Michael Kamau said the gadgets would be deployed immediately.

“We have acquired four of them and before the end of the month we will have 10 more gadgets. We are out to completely eradicate the culture of drunk drivers on our roads,” said Mr Kamau while addressing the press in his office.

He said that hygiene concerns that were raised previously have been addressed as the officers who will administer tests on motorists will use disposable mouth pieces when checking the level of alcohol in the breath.

Mr Kamau said the police who will use the gadgets will be mobile starting from Nairobi and later in other major urban centres in the country.

“Motorists found driving while drunk will be arrested and prosecuted. Their vehicles will also be towed to the nearest police station,” he said.

However, he cautioned police against using the breathalysers to extort money from Kenyans, saying that OCPDs across the country will monitor their use.

“They have receipts and will keep all records therefore those charged in court will have to match those that have been tested,” said the Cabinet Secretary.

He claimed that at the weekend, random checks were carried out in parts of Nairobi and from a total of 50 drivers stopped on Langata road, Westland and Argwings Kodhek, 99 percent were drunk.

“Of these drunk drivers, a majority of them were underage children who had no driving licences. We want to warn parents against giving out their vehicles to unqualified drivers,” warned Mr Kamau.

ONE GLASS

He said that for any driver to be safe after drinking, he or she should take at most one bottle but could still be arrested if the breathalyser indicates that they are over the limit.

“If you ask me what amount of alcohol one should take, I would advise that he or she takes a glass or even none. If you want to drink you must hire a taxi or have your driver for you to avoid arrest,” said Mr Kamau.

The breathalysers were introduced through legal notice number 138 of October 2011 and each costs Sh185,000. (READ: Alcoblow is back to curb drink-driving)

The Cabinet Secretary said that the government was concerned by the continuous loss of lives in road accidents in the country, saying that from January this year to date a total of 5,939 road accidents have been recorded in the country in which 3,018 lives have been lost.

LIMITS

Mr Kamau lamented that most of these accidents are as a result of drivers disregarding traffic laws by overspeeding overloading and dangerous driving.

He said that the law requires that no driver should handle a motor vehicle if he or she has consumed alcohol in excess of 35 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath, 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood and 107 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine.

Mr Kamau noted that those who are found to be above the limits will be fined Sh100,000 or imprisoned for a term not exceeding 2 years or both.

He also revealed that phase two of the safety first campaign which started last month will run till January 30, 2014.

“The safety first campaigns are intended to monitor compliance with traffic laws particularly speeding,” he said, adding that to date 4,300 motorists have been found to have violated the authorised speed limit and prosecuted and the campaign will ensure that justice on traffic offenders is delivered on the spot.

Mr Kamau added that the National Transport and Safety Authority is currently developing a standard curriculum for drivers' training and testing and will be ready by January 2014.

“The curriculum will help in addressing the problem of quality drivers we currently have in the country,” he said.

Mr Kamau also disclosed that the government is in the process of automation and integrating all data available in various government departments that deal with road transport matters.

“The automation is being done through transport integrated management system and will help in enhancing service delivery and will also develop smart drivers licences,” he said.