Party Leadership Visits Mapo Police Station
Direct Experience with Device Demonstration
Kim "We Must Go Beyond Discussion and Take a Step Forward"
The People Power Party plans to push a bill as a party policy that mandates the installation of alcohol ignition interlock devices on vehicles driven by drivers caught for drunk driving.
On the morning of the 26th, Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, visited the Mapo Police Station in Seoul and stated, "I came with a heavy heart because the issue of drunk driving has still not been eradicated in our society."
Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, is receiving an explanation about a drunk driving prevention device at the Mapo Police Station on April 26, 2023. Photo by Yonhap News.
Leader Kim said, "There have been discussions about whether at least those with a history of drunk driving should have their ignition locked, or whether the device should be installed more broadly on all vehicles," adding, "I think we need to take a step further rather than just discussing it."
An alcohol ignition interlock device is a device installed in a vehicle that prevents the engine from starting if the alcohol concentration measured by the breathalyzer installed in the vehicle exceeds a certain standard.
Leader Kim added, "There are as many as 1,000 people who have been caught drunk driving seven or more times," and said, "I believe habitual drunk driving is still widespread." He also mentioned that the recidivism rate is about 40 to 50%.
Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, is experiencing a drunk driving prevention device at Mapo Police Station on April 26. 2023.4.26 [Joint Coverage] [Image Source=Yonhap News]
Earlier, Leader Kim also announced on his Facebook that the party would promote a bill to mandate alcohol ignition interlock devices. He said, "To prevent recurrence, we will discuss and legislate a plan to mandate the installation of alcohol ignition interlock devices at the driver's own expense for those caught drunk driving," and added, "The People Power Party will definitely eradicate the culture of drunk driving."
On that day, Leader Kim visited the site together with Park Dae-chul, chairman of the Policy Committee, Lee Cheol-gyu, secretary-general, and Lee Man-hee, ruling party floor leader of the Administrative Safety Committee. The National Police Agency reported on the drunk driving crackdown plan and demonstrated the alcohol ignition interlock device.
Leader Kim also urged Representative Lee, "If we can push the bill as a party policy, let's do so." Representative Lee responded, "Once the bill is finalized overall, we will prepare to propose it as a party policy and consult with the opposition party as well."
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