Drugged driving sparks public outrage; 3 repeat offenders named and shamed in Miaoli

In response to a surge in drugged driving incidents that have ignited public outrage, authorities in Miaoli, Taiwan, have taken the unprecedented step of publicly naming three repeat offenders. The Hsinchu District Office of the Directorate General of Highways announced the names of Zhang Xun-hong, Deng Wei-an, and Hong Rui-dong, all residents of Miaoli County, who have been repeatedly caught driving under the influence of narcotics.

The Miaoli County Police Bureau stressed that drugged driving poses a significant threat to public safety, equating its danger to that of drunk driving. The bureau pledged to maintain strict enforcement, enhance drug interdiction efforts, and bolster preventative measures against drugged driving to safeguard the lives and property of county residents.

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Drugged driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving, and we will continue to strictly crack down on such behavior, strengthen drug interdiction and drugged driving prevention measures, and do our best to protect the lives and property of county residents.

Police explained that drugs impair a driver's judgment, reaction time, and attention. Driving after drug use can lead to accidents due to disorientation, delayed responses, or loss of vehicle control, endangering both the driver and others on the road. The increasing number of drugged driving cases and resulting serious accidents nationwide highlights this growing concern for traffic safety.

To combat repeat offenses and protect the public, new provisions in the Code of Criminal Procedure allow for pre-trial detention for individuals suspected of serious crimes that endanger public safety, including repeated drugged driving. Prosecutors can request detention if there is sufficient evidence to suggest a risk of re-offending, thereby preventing further dangerous behavior and ensuring public safety. The police bureau reiterated that beyond criminal charges, drugged drivers face administrative penalties such as fines and license suspensions or revocations. Causing serious injury or death due to drugged driving carries even heavier criminal penalties and civil liabilities, emphasizing the severe consequences.

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Drugs affect a driver's judgment, reaction speed, and attention. Driving after using drugs can easily lead to traffic accidents due to mental confusion, slow reactions, or loss of control, endangering the safety of oneself and other road users.