Police to Intensify Crackdown on Drunk Driving During Summer Vacation Until September... Strict Response to 'Passenger Aiding'

Increase in Drunk Driving Accidents and Injuries
Weekly Crackdown During Vulnerable Hours

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The National Police Agency announced on the 20th that it will conduct an "Intensive Crackdown on Drunk Driving During the Summer Vacation Season" from the 21st of this month to September 7th.

A police official explained the background of the intensive crackdown, saying, "Outdoor activities and traffic volume are expected to increase during the summer vacation season," and "We plan to proactively implement measures to prevent drunk driving."

According to the police, as of the end of last month, the number of deaths from drunk driving accidents decreased by 4.6% compared to the previous year, but the number of drunk driving accidents and injuries increased by 10.8% and 12.5%, respectively. In particular, on the 9th of this month, a heavily intoxicated driver caused the deaths of three marathon participants in Icheon-si, Gyeonggi Province.

Accordingly, during the intensive crackdown period, the police plan to conduct a comprehensive crackdown on drunk driving at least once a week during vulnerable time periods. Including Fridays, when the most fatal drunk driving accidents occur, crackdowns will be carried out at ▲ recreational areas around summer vacation spots and tourist sites ▲ side roads connected to ‘mokjijeom’ near highway toll gates, rest areas, and entrances/exits ▲ and areas with frequent drunk driving accidents during the summer vacation season over the past three years. In particular, the crackdown locations will be changed frequently to raise drivers' awareness.

Additionally, if there are passengers in a drunk driving vehicle, the police will investigate whether they aided and abetted the offense, and if found guilty, the passengers will also be charged. The charge of aiding and abetting drunk driving can be applied if a person knowingly provides the vehicle (keys) or encourages or urges drunk driving and rides along, or if a person in a supervisory position is aware of the drunk driving and neglects to intervene. Furthermore, selling alcohol to drivers at restaurants near highway rest areas will also be cracked down on as aiding and abetting drunk driving.

The police urged, "We hope drivers themselves recognize the dangers of drunk driving and drive safely."

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