Kaohsiung: Unlicensed, Drunk Mercedes Driver Causes Multiple Collisions

A 45-year-old woman in Kaohsiung was arrested after a series of hit-and-run incidents involving a Mercedes-Benz, which culminated in her crashing into a building's planter. The driver, identified as Ms. Chen, was found to be heavily intoxicated and operating the vehicle without a license.

The chaotic sequence began around 3:53 PM on August 1st. Chen was driving west on Mingcheng 3rd Road when she collided with a scooter driven by a Mr. Han. Instead of stopping, she fled the scene. Just minutes later, at 4:01 PM, while driving north on Meishu East 4th Road, she crashed into a planter belonging to a building. Her erratic driving continued as she then hit a parked motorcycle on Meishu East 4th Road at 4:02 PM, finally coming to a stop.

Upon arrival, police officers observed Chen to be disoriented and smelling strongly of alcohol. A breathalyzer test revealed a blood alcohol content of 1.19 mg/L, far exceeding Taiwan's legal limit. She had reportedly been drinking with friends for nearly three hours before deciding to drive.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incidents. However, Chen faces significant legal consequences. She has been fined NT$12,000 for failing to stop after an accident, NT$3,600 for improper use of lights, and NT$60,000 for driving without a license while holding a motorcycle license. Additionally, she faces charges for drunk driving under the criminal code, with potential fines totaling NT$186,600. The court is also investigating her for endangering public safety.