Minister Rawdon Turner addresses Parliament (photo by Wayne Mariette)
Member of Parliament for St. Peter and Minister of Social and Urban Transformation, Hon. Rawdon Turner, is calling for the immediate administration of breathalyzer tests at the scene of traffic accidents, arguing that stronger measures are needed to combat drunk driving and save lives.
Speaking in Parliament during debate on the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, Turner said the country has experienced far too many road fatalities over the years and that alcohol-impaired driving continues to be a significant concern.
“I think that it is time for us to have breathalyzer tests administered immediately on the scene of an accident,” Turner told Parliament.
The minister recalled witnessing the aftermath of a collision years ago while travelling home from carnival celebrations with family members. According to Turner, the driver who caused the crash appeared to be heavily intoxicated.
“You could tell, you could smell the alcohol from the time you came out of the door,” he said. “The police came, people went in ambulances, but there was no administration of a test. No blood was drawn at the hospital.”
Turner said the experience highlighted what he believes is a gap in both the country’s laws and enforcement procedures.
“I think that’s something that’s lacking in our force and in our laws to ensure that drunk driving does not continue to cause accidents and deaths in this country,” he added.
The St. Peter MP made the recommendation while voicing support for the Fatal Accidents Bill, which seeks to provide families with avenues to pursue compensation when a person’s wrongful act, neglect or default results in another person’s death.
Earlier in his contribution, Turner noted that newly rehabilitated roads, including sections of the All Saints Road, have become smoother and more appealing to motorists, but warned that improved infrastructure should not encourage reckless behaviour.
“As young people, we like to set up on a beautiful piece of road,” he said, referencing the tendency for street racing and speeding on newly paved roadways.
Turner described the legislation as “long time in coming” and said it represents another important step toward accountability and protecting families affected by fatal accidents.
That’s a good initiative but most of these accidents are caused due to the negligence of most drivers. They behave very illiterate to road rules and courtesy. Stronger penalties need to be in place for serious driving offences.
excellent recommendation. Trust me them guys behind the wheel always drunk
Are you telling me that we are in the twenty first century and our police department doesn’t have a Breathalyzer Test equipment? What era are we living in Antigua and Barbuda?
Finally! Too many families have lost loved ones because of drunk driving. This is long overdue.
This shouldn’t only happen after accidents. There should also be random breathalyzer checkpoints.
With all the marijuana use in Antigua, there is a need to set acceptable level and test for marijuana use as well. A large portion of these accidents are by stoned individuals. It is amazing that the behavioral effects of Marijuana is completely ignored. Of course the weeders are going to push back on this. But y’all don’t care how many people y’all kill as long as you can weed up as much as you want.
That not gonna solve a damn thing. We too lax with the laws. Look how long they talk about body cam
Are you telling me that we are in the twenty first century and our police department doesn’t have a Breathalyzer Test equipment? What era are we living in Antigua and Barbuda?
I fully support this. If you’re not drinking and driving, you have nothing to fear from a breathalyzer test.