A pilot breathalyzer checkpoint will be implemented this Friday, 25 October 2024, from 9pm to 4am in the National District.
The National Institute of Transit and Land Transport (Intrant) and the Traffic and Land Transport Security Agency (Digesett) will once again implement the use of breathalyzers to prevent intoxicated drivers from being on the roads.
Approximately 40 Digesett agents have been trained by an international specialist in the use of Alco-Sensor VXL, Point of Arrest, and Alco-Sensor FST instruments, used to measure blood alcohol levels.
Intrant executive director, Milton Morrison, stated that the implementation of breathalyzers aims to prevent traffic accidents and save lives. Morrison added that this initiative comes at a time when meetings are being held with various stakeholders to agree on a comprehensive National Road Safety Plan, promoted by President Luis Abinader.
Meanwhile, Digesett director, General Francisco Osoria de la Cruz, expressed that the main goal is to achieve positive results and that they are training their best agents to serve the public.
The reinstatement of this operation is part of a public-private strategic alliance with the alcoholic beverage industry and the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), as well as the collaboration of the Dominican Institute for Quality (Indocal), which will be responsible for calibrating the equipment to ensure it is in optimal condition.
“This is a project that will save the lives of many in the country, and we will see the results from the beginning,” said Indocal director, Néstor Julio Matos Ureña. “At Indocal, we are committed to guaranteeing the quality of this equipment by implementing a system to verify the equipment twice a year.”
Currently, the country has eight evidential breathalyzers and 32 screening breathalyzers, donated by the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) and the regional and local alcoholic beverage industry. These were initially scheduled to be implemented in 2018.
This project was halted in 2020 due to the global Covid-19 situation as a sanitary measure due to the implications of the process.
Currently, a technical table is working with Indocal to ensure the proper use of the devices, with Digesett for personnel training, and soon with the Ministry of Interior and Police to create a Breathalyzer Unit within the Digesett organizational structure.
About the breathalyzer checkpoint protocol, Dominican legislation allows for the random testing of drivers or pedestrians for alcohol, preventively, either on a circumstantial basis or as part of operations on individuals found in public places who intend to drive a motor vehicle.
“When the breathalyzer test is positive, the Digesett agent may keep the driver under surveillance for up to four hours. However, the driver may leave immediately if a family member or relative is present to take them to their destination,” according to Article 259 of Law 63-17.
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Noticias SIN
24 October 2024