Weed them out

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) should implement a one-strike policy against drivers of public utility vehicles (PUV) who upon testing positive for the use of prohibited drugs should be immediately barred from driving.

This week the LTFRB conducted random drug testing among bus drivers in line with the coming All Saint’s Day on Sunday, and it is alarming that at least nine bus drivers tested positive for use of narcotics.

Imagine these drug-addled drivers behind the wheels of buses, jeepneys and taxis and you fear for the lives of their passengers, as well as those of other motorists and pedestrians on the road.

Thus, the government must be strict in weeding out drug addicts from the ranks of all PUV drivers, including those who cite as an excuse to stay awake their use of such stimulants like shabu.

At the very least, the LTFRB and the Land Transportation Office, should suspend for six months the licenses of PUV drivers who tested positive for drugs.

The LTFRB should also strictly regulate the operation of bus and even taxi companies to make sure that their drivers are not allowed to drive tired and lacking sleep.

There should be a maximum driving time for all PUV drivers to ensure that they are always at peak physical conditioning while removing the necessity for them to use products, whether legal like energy drinks or illegal like drugs, just to stay awake.

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