Public Health and DNCD launch study on drug use and traffic accidents

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health and the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) have launched a national study to determine the presence of psychoactive substances in drivers involved in traffic accidents who are treated at trauma hospitals across the Dominican Republic.

As part of the initiative, the DNCD donated 300 psychoactive substance detection tests to the Ministry of Public Health. The tests will be used to gather scientific evidence that can help shape prevention strategies and public policies aimed at improving road safety.

Health Minister Víctor Atallah said the study will help authorities better understand the role of psychoactive substances in road crashes and strengthen the response of the national trauma network, with the goal of reducing accidents, injuries and deaths.

The study has already entered its operational phase at five trauma hospitals, where samples are being collected with support from the Provincial Health Directorates.