NTSA warns all motorists, Alcoblow is here to stay

The conversation around drink driving and the administering of the breathalyser test commonly referred to as alcoblow, in the past few weeks only questions whether or not motorists are cognisant of the risk factors relating to drinking and driving.

Many will say gari linajua nyumbani, (the car knows its way home) but let’s think through this common phrase. Drinking alcohol impairs motor skills and cognitive functioning. If that is the case, is the driver really in control of the vehicle?

While misleading reports indicate National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has defied court orders and that drinking driving operations have been banned or suspended, the fact remains, the Court of Appeal ruling of April 7 did not quash enforcement of the breathalyser rules nor stop the Authority from conducting drink driving operations. Hence the Authority will continue with its country-wide drink driving operations.

Since the ruling, hundreds of offenders have been charged in Court under Section 44 (1) of the Traffic Act. This is a clear indication that driving under the influence of alcohol is an offense and punishable under the law.

As a motorist, holding a driving license and driving a vehicle comes with a lot of responsibility. That should not be taken lightly. The debate around drinking and driving should focus on issues of behaviuor change among motorists. A responsible driver who chooses to indulge, will either take a taxi or use a designated driver. Our roads have taken too many lives and NTSA will do everything within its mandate to keep our roads safe.

- Dido Guyatu, Deputy Director Corporate Communications, NTSA