청와대, Eulwangri Drunk Driving Accident National Petition: "Driver and Passenger Punished"

Pyeongtaek-Paju Expressway Drunk Driving Accident: "Drunk Driver Arrested, Investigation Officials Under Internal Review"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] The Blue House responded to the national petitions regarding the drunk driving wrong-way fatal accident in Eulwangri, stating that the driver involved in the accident was sent to prosecution in custody, and the passenger was sent to prosecution without detention on charges of aiding and abetting.

Deputy Commissioner Song Min-heon of the National Police Agency responded on the 27th to two national petitions titled "Strict Punishment for Drunk Driving Fatal Accidents." The first petition concerns an accident that occurred this June on the Pyeongtaek-Paju Expressway, which was supported by about 274,000 citizens.

The view of Cheongwadae from Namsan, Seoul on the 11th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

The second petition relates to the incident that occurred in September in Eulwangri, Incheon, with about 639,000 supporters.

Deputy Commissioner Song explained, "Regarding the Eulwangri accident, the Commissioner of the National Police Agency personally emphasized a strict investigation and ordered, 'Conduct a swift investigation with no room for suspicion.' Currently, the driver has been sent to prosecution in custody on charges of causing death by dangerous driving, and the passenger who provided the vehicle while intoxicated has been sent to prosecution without detention on charges of aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving."

Deputy Commissioner Song added, "The driver involved in the Pyeongtaek-Paju Expressway accident was sent to prosecution in custody with the application of the Dangerous Driving Causing Death offense under the so-called Yoon Chang-ho Act, along with the additional application of the Special Act on Hit-and-Run Causing Death. Regarding shortcomings that occurred during the investigation process, related personnel were subjected to internal inspection, and as negligence was confirmed, they will be referred to the disciplinary committee and held appropriately accountable."

The police plan to establish a permanent crackdown system on drunk drivers and promote measures such as strengthening disqualification periods for license acquisition to prevent repeat drunk driving offenses, improving safety education, and introducing drunk driving prevention devices.

Deputy Commissioner Song stated, "For habitual drunk drivers, we will extend the period during which they cannot obtain a driver's license and significantly expand special traffic safety education hours for drunk drivers," adding, "We plan to revise related laws and systems to mandate the installation of ‘drunk driving prevention devices’ that automatically lock the ignition if a breathalyzer detects alcohol before starting the vehicle, specifically for habitual drunk drivers’ vehicles."