Teenagers Driving Rented Cars Under Others' Names Cause Overturn Accident Without Licenses

Teenagers who caused an accident while driving a rental car borrowed under an acquaintance's name were caught by the police while attempting to switch drivers.

According to Yonhap News Agency, at around 5:30 a.m. on the 12th, a vehicle overturned on a road in Jang-dong, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si. Police officers were dispatched through the vehicle's automatic reporting system, and upon arrival at the scene, four high school students including A were found on the road. It was confirmed that they were not under the influence of alcohol.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

When asked by the police who the driver was, they pointed to B, who was not present at the scene, as the driver. They stated, "He is an older brother whose name we only know. He said he had a stomachache and went to the restroom." About 20 minutes later, B arrived at the scene and claimed, "I just went to the restroom for a moment," stating that he was the driver.

However, the police found it suspicious that B said he went to the restroom despite the traffic accident. They questioned B, warning him that "if you lie, you could be punished for aiding and abetting a criminal." Eventually, B retracted his statement, saying he was not the driver, and A confessed that he was the one driving.

Overturned vehicle. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The police have booked A on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act (driving without a license) and are investigating. It was revealed that B is an acquaintance who lent the rental car to them.

A police official stated, "It has been confirmed that B hurried to the scene after receiving contact from A and his group," adding, "We plan to review the rental car usage records and the vehicle's black box footage to determine whether B will be charged."