20-Year-Old Fined for Drunk Driving and Fleeing After Triple Collision

"Caused injuries to 8 victims and fled without providing aid"
However, "shows an attitude of remorse"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] A man in his 20s accused of fleeing the scene after causing a three-car collision while driving under the influence was sentenced to a fine in the first trial.

The Seoul Western District Court Criminal Division 11 (Judge Kim Yumi) announced on the 29th that it sentenced A (20), who was tried on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (hit-and-run causing injury), and violations of the Road Traffic Act (failure to take measures after an accident, drunk driving), to a fine of 10 million won.

The court stated, “The defendant, while intoxicated, drove a passenger car, crossed the center line, and collided with two vehicles waiting at a signal in the opposite lane, causing a chain collision with an additional vehicle beside them. Despite injuring eight victims and damaging three vehicles, the defendant fled without providing aid to the victims and has not been forgiven by two of the victims.”

However, the court noted, “The defendant surrendered to the investigative authorities within two hours after the crime, showed remorse, and reached settlements with six of the victims who do not wish for punishment. The defendant is a young adult just entering society and has pledged not to reoffend. Additionally, the defendant’s father and acquaintances have petitioned for leniency, and it appears that the defendant maintains good social ties with those around him,” explaining the reasons for the sentencing.

A is accused of, on October 2nd last year at around 11:18 p.m., while intoxicated, making a left turn at an intersection in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, crossing the center line, colliding with a BMW passenger car waiting at a signal in the opposite lane, and fleeing the scene.

He is also charged with driving approximately 400 meters with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.078% and causing damage amounting to about 15,147,022 won to the BMW passenger car.

Two other passenger cars were also damaged in the accident, and the victims reportedly sustained injuries requiring 2 to 3 weeks of treatment.

However, the charges related to the two vehicles other than the first car were dismissed as those victims did not wish to pursue punishment.