Gyeongnam Police Agency Intensifies Drunk Driving Crackdown During Daytime

Police conducting a drunk driving crackdown. [Image source=Asia Economy DB]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] The Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency will conduct a focused crackdown on drunk driving from the 21st until November 30th.

According to the Provincial Police Agency, during the month of August, 1,305 suspected drunk driving reports were received through 112 emergency calls within the province.

The police enforced 195 crackdowns, of which 174 cases, accounting for 89%, resulted in license cancellations, and 21 cases, or 11%, received license suspensions. The average number of drunk driving crackdowns reached 6.5 cases per day.

By region, the highest numbers were reported in Geoje City, Jinju City, Changwon Jinhae-gu, Changwon Seongsan-gu, and Yangsan City, in that order.

Regarding time, 86 cases occurred between 10 PM and 2 AM, accounting for 44% of the total, and 94 cases, or 48%, were detected on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The Provincial Police Agency analyzed that among the 195 drunk driving cases, 174 involved license cancellations due to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher or refusal to undergo testing, indicating a high risk of major accidents caused by severe intoxication.

Accordingly, to prevent major traffic accidents during the autumn holiday season when vehicle traffic increases, the police plan to conduct drunk driving crackdowns even during daytime by mobilizing maximum traffic and local police forces from all police stations across the province at popular tourist destinations, autumn foliage spots, entertainment districts, dining areas, and highway entrances and exits.

During the crackdown, non-contact breathalyzers will be used to prevent infectious diseases such as COVID-19, and enforcement equipment will be disinfected regularly.

A Provincial Police Agency official stated, “We will continue focused crackdowns until the number of suspected drunk driving 112 reports decreases,” and urged, “Please actively report suspected drunk driving vehicles to 112.”