Police "Crackdown on Drunk Driving Around 10 PM When Restaurant Dining Ends"

Police conducting a sobriety checkpoint using a non-contact detector.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] In line with the easing of social distancing measures for COVID-19 by health authorities, the police are strengthening their crackdown on drunk driving.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 17th that it will conduct a comprehensive crackdown on drunk driving for one month until the 14th of next month, timed with restaurant closing hours. The Seoul Police explained the reason for the crackdown, stating, "It is expected that the possibility of drunk driving will increase as the social distancing measures are eased."

In fact, data shows that drunk driving traffic accidents increased by as little as 14% and as much as 26.3% around April, September, and October last year, when social distancing measures were relaxed. Moreover, this year, the number of fatal drunk driving accidents in Seoul has increased by three compared to the previous year.

Looking at recent trends of drunk driving incidents in Seoul, 37.6% of drunk driving traffic accidents occurred around 8 to 10 p.m., coinciding with the restricted dining hours inside restaurants at 9 p.m. By region, the police explained that drunk driving accidents are increasing in residential areas such as Gwanak-gu, Nowon-gu, Eunpyeong-gu, and Gangdong-gu.

In response, the police plan to conduct simultaneous drunk driving crackdowns twice a week at police stations before 10 p.m., when restaurants close, following the easing of social distancing stages. In addition to the comprehensive crackdown, each police station will conduct occasional drunk driving checks during morning commutes for hangover driving, daytime hours on hiking trails, Hangang Park, and food alley areas. They will also conduct drunk driving crackdowns targeting the increasing number of motorcycle, bicycle, and electric kickboard riders.

The police will also strongly respond to aiding drunk driving and habitual drunk driving. In particular, vehicles will be actively seized according to standards for habitual drunk drivers.

Considering the spread of COVID-19, the police plan to comply with quarantine guidelines by using non-contact breathalyzers during crackdowns. A Seoul Police official said, "Consistent drunk driving crackdowns are essential to protect the precious lives of the public," and urged, "We ask for citizens' understanding and for drivers themselves to recognize the dangers of drunk driving and participate in safe driving."

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