Lagos Screens 3,852 Drivers On Alcohol

Lagos State Governor, Barr. Babatunde Fashola has said that 3,852 commercial drivers had been screened for blood alcohol content, substance abuse, hypertension and diabetes in the past two years.
He made this known at a motor park health and safety awareness campaign programme held at the New Garage Motor Park, Bariga, Lagos, recently.
Our correspondent reports that of the 955 commercial drivers screened at the park, 53 were hypertensive, 10 diabetic, 146 screened for sight, while many tested positive for alcohol and marijuana.
Fashola, represented by his deputy, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said that the campaign was organised by the state Ministry of Health in conjunction with the Guinness Nigeria Plc.
He said the programme was designed to meet and talk with drivers, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and other relevant workers about responsible alcohol consumption.
“The safety of our drivers, passengers and other road users is a major concern to us. ‘
“We believe that regular talk and meeting with you will help to regulate the consumption of alcohol, particularly while driving,” he said.
Fashola said that the campaign had earlier been held in three motor parks within the metropolis, including Ojota, Oyingbo and Iyana-Ipaja Motor Parks.
He said that of the 884 people screened at Ojota Park, 239 were hypertensive, 86 diabetic, 60 tested positive to cocaine or marijuana, while 287 had excessive blood alcohol level.
“At the Oyingbo Motor Park campaign, 363 people of the 988 screened were hypertensive, 156 diabetic, 59 tested positive to cocaine or marijuana and 50 tested positive to breathalyser.
“At Iyana-Ipaja Park, 162 of 1025 people screened have hypertension, 71 have diabetes, and 103 tested positive to cocaine or marijuana, while 215 have excessive alcohol in their blood system.
“We noticed that perhaps, as a result of the state traffic law, more drivers now abstain from drugs and alcoholic intake before coming for the screening.
“It is important to note that this campaign is all about safety; safety of transport workers, their members and the citizens who patronise them,” the governor said.
Fashola said that government had built Drivers’ Institutes in Epe, Ikorodu, Oshodi, Ikeja and Lagos Island, to train motorists about the techniques, driving methods and habits.
“The most important message I have for you is that you should not drink or abuse drugs while driving,” he said.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, said that the programme was initiated to create awareness, especially among commercial drivers, and to reduce road accidents.
Mr Oladele Jolaoso, secretary of New Garage Park, said the programme was a welcome idea, adding that it would sensitise many more people.