"Not Drunk or on Drugs": The Truth Behind a Driver Who Couldn't Remember Causing an Accident

It Was Revealed That the Driver Had Taken a Prescribed Sleeping Pill

A driver who caused an accident while driving after taking a prescribed sleeping pill and could not even remember the incident has been referred to the prosecution.

A driver who caused an accident while driving after taking sleeping pills. Photo by Republic of Korea National Police Agency, captured from YouTube.

On June 4, a video titled "Not Drunk, Not on Drugs. The Shocking Secret of a Wobbling Driver" was uploaded to the YouTube channel of the Republic of Korea National Police Agency. According to the video, in April, a sedan driven by a man identified as A was traveling abnormally in a diagonal direction on a backstreet in Seoul and collided with a motorcycle.

After causing the accident, A attempted to leave the scene. However, when the motorcycle driver chased after him and demanded that he stop, A finally pulled over. Even during this process, A continued to drive abnormally, including crashing into a safety railing. After getting out of the car, A's strange behavior persisted. He rambled incoherently with unfocused eyes and staggered away from the scene.

Even in front of the police, who arrived after being called to the scene, A showed an unfocused gaze and unnatural walking. He was even unable to remember that an accident had occurred.

Initially, the police suspected drunk driving and conducted a blood alcohol concentration test, but it was determined that he was not intoxicated. The police then suspected drug use and examined A's arms for injection marks but found none. The narcotics investigation team also arrived at the scene and conducted a rapid drug test, but no drugs were detected. The results from the National Forensic Service were the same.

An investigation revealed that A had been driving under the influence of a sleeping pill prescribed by a medical institution. The police warned that even if the medication is prescribed, a driver can be punished under the relevant law if the influence of the drug makes it difficult to drive safely.

According to Article 5-11 of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (Causing Death or Injury by Dangerous Driving), if a person drives a vehicle and injures someone while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that safe driving is difficult, they are subject to imprisonment for not less than one year and not more than fifteen years, or a fine of not less than 10 million won and not more than 30 million won.

Additionally, Article 45 of the Road Traffic Act (Prohibition of Driving When Fatigued, etc.) stipulates that a person must not drive if they are unable to drive normally due to fatigue, illness, or drugs, in addition to alcohol. Violation of this law can result in a fine of up to 300,000 won or detention.

A police official stated, "A has been referred to the prosecution," and added, "If you are unable to drive safely, you must never get behind the wheel."