MANILA, Philippines – After the fatal SCTEX toll plaza accident, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) reported on Friday, May 9, that two operators from the Solid North bus company had tested positive for narcotics.
The accident on SCTEX led to at least 10 deaths when a Solid North bus crashed into multiple other vehicles. Nevertheless, tests conducted by the authorities showed that the driver was not under the influence of any substances.
The Department of Transport said in a statement that two drivers from Solid North Bus Inc. were found positive for drugs following a required drug test organized by the Land Transportation Office,
Individuals who received a positive result for drug use will be subjected to additional verification tests.
In the meantime, the LTO is also examining the company’s buses for their road safety.
Up to this point, 46 among the total of 276 buses have passed the roadworthiness tests. At present, inspections are still underway, and the DOTr has yet to announce an official figure.
It is reported that the driver of the Solid North bus dozed off while driving, leading to the collision with other vehicles. Although drug tests came back negative for the driver, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) mentioned that they were using maintenance medication, possibly resulting in fatigue.
After the deadly SCTEX accident, an SUV crashed into the entrance of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, resulting in two fatalities.
Both crashes had children among the death toll.
The string of deadly car crashes has raised alarms over the country’s road safety. In response to these incidents, the DOTr has already implemented several new rules, including mandatory drug testing every 90 days for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.
PUV drivers must also have shorter driving hours. Instead of the previous maximum of six hours, drivers will now be limited to driving for only four hours. Trips longer than that will require a reliever driver.
The DOTr is also seeking to implement stricter regulations on the issuance of driver’s licenses.