After three years of declining deaths caused by drunk driving accidents, 2017 is teetering precariously towards breaking that streak. (Image: Yonhap)
SUWON, Sept. 14 (Korea Bizwire) – After three years of declining deaths caused by drunk driving accidents, 2017 is teetering precariously towards breaking that streak.
From 2014 through 2016, 97, 75 and 59 individuals were victimized in drunk driving accidents. From January through June of this year, 45 died, a 55.2 percent increase over the same period from last year.
In response, the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency has rolled out a 24-hour field sobriety inspection that will be in place until the end of the year.
Statistics show that almost half (44 percent) of the 59 casualties last year occurred between September and November, a figure cited by the police as a reason for the 24-hour sobriety tests. (Image: Yonhap)
In the morning, the police will be stationed on main roads and areas with high concentrations of offices and businesses. Around lunch hour, they will be stationed around streets with high volumes of eateries and on roads near recreational locations like golf practice ranges. During the evening, the police will be posted at highway toll gates and on roads with bars and after-hours establishments.
Statistics show that almost half (44 percent) of the 59 casualties last year occurred between September and November, a figure cited by the police as a reason for the 24-hour sobriety tests.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
