Kaohsiung sees rise in drug-driving incidents, Fengshan district leads

Kaohsiung City has seen a concerning rise in drug-driving incidents over the first seven months of 2026, with authorities reporting 4 fatalities and 76 injuries. This marks a significant increase compared to the same period last year, with 44 more cases recorded. The data highlights a growing trend, as the 87 drug-driving accidents from January to July already approach the total of 88 cases reported for the entirety of 2025.

In contrast, the city has made progress in combating alcohol-related driving offenses. From January to July 2026, there were 363 alcohol-driving accidents, resulting in 1 death and 287 injuries. This represents a decrease of 60 cases, 2 deaths, and 57 injuries compared to the previous year, indicating effective prevention measures are in place for drunk driving.

However, the issue of impaired driving remains a concern, particularly in the Fengshan district, which is the most populous area in Kaohsiung with over 352,000 residents. Fengshan district recorded the highest number of drug-driving accidents, with 10 cases. It also led in alcohol-driving incidents, with 45 cases. The Sanmin district followed, with 8 drug-driving cases and 29 alcohol-driving cases.

The statistics underscore a critical public safety challenge in Kaohsiung, with drug-impaired driving emerging as a more severe threat in terms of fatalities this year compared to drunk driving. Authorities continue to investigate the precise factors contributing to these trends and implement strategies to enhance road safety across the city.