Chilean authorities address driver substance abuse

Authorities in Chile are addressing substance abuse among drivers following recent enforcement actions and testing results. In Paillaco, police from the Reumén station detained a driver on Route T-59 after a preventive patrol. The individual tested with 2.39 grams of alcohol per liter of blood, significantly exceeding the legal limit.

In the Valparaíso region, data from the National Service for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Drug and Alcohol Consumption (Senda) revealed that approximately 17% of public transport drivers tested positive for drugs or alcohol. Out of 146 tests conducted on bus drivers, 25 returned positive results.

In response, regional transport authorities are organizing intersectoral meetings to develop rehabilitation programs and support tools. Transport official Matías Valenzuela emphasized the incompatibility of substance use with driving, while transport unions have called for the issue to be treated as a health matter requiring state and corporate assistance.