Editor's Review

Alcoblow makes a comeback after 60 people killed the first weekend bars allowed to operate since Covid-19


Police will resume using alcoblow breathalyser gadgets after 60 people were killed due to drunk driving between October 2-4.

A report indicated that the first weekend of bar operations since COVID-19 pandemic, 60 people succumbed in road accidents, the highest number of fatalities in recent months.

“Reports indicate that 2,689 persons have lost their lives between January 1 and September 30, 2020, compared to 2,655 during the same period last year, an increase of 1.3%,” a statement by the Inspector General of Police and the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) read.


Road Carnage

Motorcyclist and pillion passenger deaths increased by 44.94% and 19.44% respectively, according to the report.

“Analysing the trend points to the need to focus more efforts towards road safety in order to prevent the unnecessary loss of lives,” the joint statement added.

Alcoblow tests had been implemented until 2019 when it was withdrawn due to misuse by police officers who set up unnecessary roadblocks.

Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai suspended it after police were accused of using the alcoblows to harass and extort motorists.