Comprehensive Checks for Drunk, Drugged, and Drowsy Driving
Random Inspections Conducted at Least Three Times a Week
As year-end gatherings increase, raising the risk of drunk driving, the Gyeongbuk police are launching an intensive crackdown that will comprehensively monitor the overall condition of drivers. For the first time this year, a detailed verification system that goes beyond traditional drunk driving checks to include drug and drowsy driving will be fully implemented.
The Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency, led by Commissioner Oh Bumyeong, announced that it will conduct a "Year-End and New Year Intensive Crackdown on Drunk and Drugged Driving" for two months from November 24, 2025, until the end of February next year.
The police will mobilize all available personnel, including traffic and local officers, to conduct random inspections at least three times a week, both day and night, in accident-prone areas such as entertainment districts, busy downtown areas, and highway entrances and exits. Nationwide simultaneous crackdowns will also be conducted to maximize enforcement intensity.
In particular, the police will take proactive measures against drugged driving, which has sparked significant social controversy this year. In cases of abnormal driving such as speeding or reckless behavior, or when there are suspicious symptoms like incoherent speech or unfocused eyes but no alcohol is detected, police will immediately conduct rapid drug tests using saliva or urine samples with the driver's consent. The crackdown will also cover "impaired driving" due to factors such as taking cold medicine or drowsiness from fatigue, which pose a high risk of accidents.
In the event of a serious drunk driving accident, the police will actively apply the aggravated offense of dangerous driving resulting in death or injury under the Special Act, and will strengthen strict measures in accordance with National Police Agency guidelines, including vehicle confiscation for habitual offenders and punishment for passengers who aid or abet the offense.
This year, by expanding random inspections, the Gyeongbuk police achieved a 20% reduction in drunk driving accidents (from 513 to 411 cases) and a 22% decrease in drunk driving fatalities (from 9 to 7 deaths) compared to the same period last year (as of October).
A representative from the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency stated, "Drunk and drugged driving is not a simple mistake but a serious crime that destroys the lives of others," adding, "Through this year-end and New Year intensive crackdown, we will create a traffic environment where all residents can feel safe."
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