Drug-impaired driver sentenced to 12 years for fatal crash

A man identified as Zhang Yongsheng has been sentenced to 12 years in prison by the Miaoli District Court's National Judges Court for causing a fatal accident while driving under the influence of drugs. The incident occurred on August 16, 2023, when Zhang, after consuming ketamine, drove at excessive speed and disregarded a red light at an intersection in Zhunan Township, Miaoli County.

Zhang's vehicle collided with a motorcycle carrying two individuals. The impact sent both riders flying, causing severe injuries to the motorcyclist, including a collapsed lung, spleen laceration, and fractures. The passenger sustained fatal injuries, including intracranial hemorrhage, internal bleeding, and multiple fractures, leading to traumatic shock and death.

Upon arrival, police confirmed neither driver had consumed alcohol. However, Zhang's drug test revealed a positive result for narcotics, with significant concentrations of N-desmethylketamine and ketamine. The court's decision considered Zhang's extensive criminal history, including multiple previous penalties for using third-class drugs.

During the trial, Zhang failed to appear without a valid reason, leading to his apprehension. He eventually admitted to using ketamine on the evening of August 15, 2023, by smoking it in a cigarette before driving. Given his past offenses and the circumstances of the accident, the National Judges Court found no mitigating factors that would warrant a reduction in his sentence under Article 59 of the Criminal Code.