Police launch on spot drug testing for drivers

Nagpur: The Nagpur city police on Thursday formally launched a comprehensive drug-testing drive for motorists as part of ‘Operation U-Turn' campaign aimed at curbing rash and dangerous driving.

The initiative, which will be operational from May 1, will see advanced drug-testing machines deployed across key traffic points in the city to detect drivers operating vehicles under the influence of narcotics.

The machines were inaugurated by Nagpur CP Ravinder Singal and Piyush Tewari, founder of SaveLIFE Foundation — the NGO that acts to reduce fatalities in road accidents. The officials described the move as a game changer in the fight against substance-induced accidents, which have contributed significantly to road fatalities in recent years.

"Drug testing will go a long way in reducing cases of dangerous driving and, thus, eventually help in reducing road accidents," a senior police official stated during the launch. 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.

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.