Bulgarian Drivers Face Eating, Smoking Ban

Bulgaria's government is considering new measures in an attempt to reduce the staggering number of traffic incidents in the country, known for its "war on wheels." File photo

Bulgaria's cabinet is planning to impose a ban on drivers to eat, smoke, watch DVDs or write text messages while on the road.

The information was reported Monday by the Bulgarian 24 Chassa (24 Hours) daily.

The changes further include the mounting of mandatory breathalyzers in the vehicles of those caught with DUI. The device will test the blood alcohol level of the driver and if it turns to be over 0.5 promile, the engine would not start.

Fines will be issued not only to those driving under the influence, but to their passengers as well, while traffic safety rules will be taught at schools, and street signs modernized and replaced.

Drivers of SUVs and cars with additional bars in front will be mandated to remove them in order to avoid more injuries of pedestrians during traffic incidents.

Devices that can be installed in vehicles for quick notification of the emergency medical teams would soon become available in Bulgaria. When there is a strong crash, the devices, mounted near the airbags, send a signal to mobile operators when the bag inflates.

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