The Nagpur city police formally launched a comprehensive drug-testing drive for motorists on Thursday as part of the 'Operation U-Turn' campaign aimed at curbing rash and dangerous driving. The initiative will become operational from May 1, with advanced drug-testing machines deployed across key traffic points in the city to detect drivers operating vehicles under the influence of narcotics.
Launch Event and Key Figures
The machines were inaugurated by Nagpur Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal and Piyush Tiwari, founder of the Save Life Foundation, an NGO focused on reducing fatalities in road accidents. Officials described the move as a game changer in the fight against substance-induced accidents, which have significantly contributed to road fatalities in recent years.
Legal Framework and Deterrence
Under the new drive, any driver found positive for illicit drugs will face strict legal action under the Motor Vehicles Act as well as the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. This dual legal framework is expected to serve as a strong deterrent. A senior police official stated, "Drug testing will go a long way in reducing cases of dangerous driving and, thus, eventually help in reducing road accidents."
Public-Private Partnership
The state-of-the-art testing equipment was provided by the Save Life Foundation under its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, highlighting a successful public-private partnership in promoting road safety. Police sources said random checks will be intensified during late night hours and weekends when such violations are more frequent.
