In a move to bolster road safety, the Antique provincial board has formally requested the Philippine National Police (PNP) to equip their vehicular accident investigators with breathalyzers. This request was highlighted during a regular session on Monday, January 13, 2025, by board member Noel Alamis, who emphasized the importance of these devices in ensuring equitable enforcement of traffic laws and decreasing incidents related to alcohol consumption.
Alamis pointed out that breathalyzers would enable police to accurately assess whether drivers involved in accidents are under the influence of alcohol, thereby aiding in fairer application of traffic regulations. Following the session, Alamis expressed in an interview that the introduction of breathalyzers could significantly impact road safety in the province.
Further supporting the need for breathalyzers, Lt. Col. Willy Diel, Information Officer at the Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO), acknowledged the absence of such devices among their investigators. Diel noted that driving under the influence is a significant contributor to vehicular accidents, and the lack of breathalyzers hampers their ability to effectively address this issue.
The provincial board’s resolution underscores a proactive approach to enhancing road safety measures in Antique, aiming to reduce alcohol-related traffic incidents through better-equipped law enforcement.