Police Focus on Cracking Down Major Road Violations Including 'Drunk Driving and Reckless Driving'

Instead of the checkpoint-style DUI crackdown halted due to the spread of COVID-19, a 'trap'-style DUI crackdown is being conducted to filter suspected drunk driving vehicles by creating an 'S'-shaped passage.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, major traffic accidents caused by drinking and other factors have continued to occur, prompting the police to crack down on major traffic violations on the roads.

The National Police Agency announced on the 23rd that it will conduct focused crackdowns on violations that pose serious risks to public life and safety, such as drunk driving and reckless or retaliatory driving.

Last year, traffic fatalities decreased by 11.4% compared to the previous year, but the police explained that the rate of decline has slowed this year. In particular, as of the 17th of this month, the total number of deaths decreased by only 1.9% (from 644 to 632) compared to the same period last year, while motorcycle fatalities actually increased by 42% (from 69 to 98).

For example, on the 2nd of last month in Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi Province, a drunk driving vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.236% crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming vehicle, resulting in 3 deaths and 2 serious injuries. Additionally, on the 12th of this month in Buk-gu, Gwangju, a passenger car collided with roadside trees and traffic signs while changing lanes, causing 5 deaths.

To prevent drunk driving accidents, the police will first utilize "zigzag-type crackdowns" and "jump-style mobile crackdowns." They will use safety warning lights and traffic cones to induce slow driving in an S-shaped pattern around vulnerable areas such as entertainment districts and restaurant areas, selectively crack down on suspected drunk driving vehicles, and frequently change locations for enforcement.

For reckless and retaliatory driving, undercover patrol cars will be used, and intelligence on illegal street racing will be collected for planned investigations, conducting crackdowns tailored to local conditions. For motorcycles, enforcement will target high-risk violations such as running red lights and crossing the center line, as well as reckless driving.

Considering the economic difficulties caused by the COVID-19 situation, the police plan to also issue warnings and advisories on-site for livelihood-related or minor violations, taking the circumstances into account. A police official stated, "To protect the lives of the public from traffic accidents, we will actively promote facility improvements, public awareness campaigns, and cooperation with related organizations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.