ROAD TRAFFIC POLICE TOUGHENS CONTROL OVER TRAFFIC SECURITY

The Moldovan MoI National Patrol Inspectorate (NPI) is toughening its control over traffic security throughout the republic, NPI Chief Pavel Apostol reported at a press conference.

According to him, the number of patrol crews and ‘trap cars’ will be increased, work with drivers and passengers in the places of entry and exit from the country will be intensified, “White nights” raids will be carried out, and special literature will be spread.

“One must understand that at the end of the summer, citizens usually go on vacation by cars; some of them go home, while others go on a visit. We record an increased number in road accidents for three reasons: speeding, drunk driving and driver’s fatigue when he/she falls asleep, driving a vehicle”, stated the police officer.

He recalled that amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code and the Code of Administrative Infringements have entered into force since the end of July, significantly toughening the punishment for drunk driving.

“If an inspector detects a drunk driver, he is entitled to immediately withdraw his driving license and forbid the movement. The court will have to make a decision on this fact within 72 hours. Based on the changed rules, a drunk driver can be deprived of driving license for up to five years. He will be able to take the driving license back only after passing the driving test (theoretical and practical parts), and listening to a course of lectures on the harmfulness of alcohol and drugs. The driving license can be restored only after the three conditions are fulfilled”, said the law enforcers.

According to the NPI, over seven months of 2018, 1,350 road traffic accidents have been recorded on the territory of Moldova: 146 people died and 1,645 injured.