In order to balance the need to protect lives from road accidents with business interests, Prime Minister Hun Manet has called on traffic authorities to find solutions acceptable to all parties.
He suggested that they instigate a trial period of introducing alcohol checkpoints from 10pm, starting with the provinces before being expanded nationwide.
During last week’s Cabinet meeting, Manet praised the latest measures to reduce road accidents, especially breathalyser checkpoints, which he said had reduced the number of incidents caused by people driving under the influence of alcohol.
“We have seen a drop in the number of cases caused by drunk drivers. I thank all of the officers involved for their hard work, as I have heard that some of them have been on duty until 2am. All I want to suggest is that we look into making a small revision to the way we conduct breathalyser checks,” he said.
“We will not stop these measures, but we may revise the hours. Some checkpoints begin widespread testing at 8pm, but drunk people may not travel at this hour. We must reduce the number of drunk drivers on the roads to protect our people, but we do not want to have an undue affect on people’s business,” he added.
“I suggest that we move provincial checkpoints to 10pm. If this results in an increase in accidents, we can move back to the earlier timeframe. If we have to choose between the survival of restaurants and the survival of the people, then of course we must choose the people,” he continued.
He urged road users to respect the law and pay close attention to how they are driving, and expressed hope that they would be responsible, allowing business owners to survive.
Manet reiterated that the policy remains flexible and can easily be adjusted.
“Our policy adheres to three steps. We will follow the new system, but we will be constantly reviewing it and will make the necessary changes accordingly,” he said.
He also called on people who consume alcohol to limit their drinking, warning that those who violate the law will face legal consequences. Drivers who were involved in many recent accidents are currently facing the courts.
Following a recent series of high-profile tragedies on the Kingdom’s roads, Manet ordered law enforcement agencies to step up enforcement of the law, especially regarding those who drove under the influence. Police forces from the capital and provinces instigated a series of checkpoints, breath-testing drivers for alcohol, and even searching several vehicles for drugs and firearms.
However, following the introduction of the stringent measures, some restaurants which serve alcohol claim they have lost income, with certain entertainment clubs forced to close temporarily.
Hea Kimchhay, owner of a licensed barbecue restaurant, said he acknowledged that testing drivers for alcohol is a good thing, as it reduces traffic accidents, but it also hurt the owners of licensed restaurants and entertainment clubs.
He explained that since the introduction of the campaign to tighten road traffic laws, his restaurant had lost up to half of its weekly revenue.
“My restaurant takings have dropped, as most of my guests just come and eat barbeque, but don’t stay to drink beers. Previously, I sold a lot more beers, but now just half of my customers order alcohol. The ones who drink use taxis and ride-hailing apps, they no longer ride their own vehicles,” he said on March 17.
Kim Pagna, country director of the Asia Injury Prevention (AIP) Foundation, acknowledged that there is a trade off between public safety and businesses that serve alcohol, such as restaurants and beer gardens. However, he recommended that no matter what, strict law enforcement and alcohol checkpoints must not be reduced.
“What is really important is doing it correctly, transparently and equally. This is because fair law enforcement is the key for driving public participation. If drivers are found to be under the influence of alcohol, they must be stopped and their friends or family called to drive them home. If drivers are below the alcohol limit, they should be let go,” he said.
“I cannot imagine how we could change the hour for alcohol checkpoints. As we all know, a recent fatal accident was caused by a drunk driver at around 6pm. If we reduce the hours the checkpoints are in operation, we are increasing the chances that a drunk driver may cause an accident,” he added.
Pagna suggested several viable alternatives that would still allow people to go out and enjoy themselves, but without being a danger to anybody else.
He suggested that people use public transport or ride hailing apps, and that some drivers reduce their fares to attract more passengers.
“In addition, licensed businesses should provide additional options, such as providing their own testing devices. If a driver looks drunk, they could test their alcohol levels before letting them drive. I understand that they want to succeed economically, but this should not cause suffering for other people,” he said.
Should it be possible, he suggested technology could play a part. For example, vehicles could be fitted with immobilisers which would not allow a driver to start the engine without passing a breathalyser test.
One other option, Pagna added, is the idea that one friend could volunteer to serve as a designated driver, and be willing to remain sober and drive their friends home, although he acknowledged that this option may not be popular
He also explained that education is apparently not enough, as it does not seem to get through to enough people.
“Education about traffic accident reduction measures has a minor impact, if any, on the behaviour of most people, especially those who drive drunk. Only strict law enforcement is truly effective, but it must transparent, fair and equal for all,” he said.