Taiwanese man gets 11 years for fatal drug-fueled hit-and-run

A Taiwanese court has upheld an 11-year prison sentence for a man convicted of a fatal drug-fueled hit-and-run. The 50-year-old, identified only by his surname Chen, was found to have been driving under the influence of methamphetamine and a derivative, with drug concentrations in his system more than 12 times the legal limit.

This incident adds to Chen's record, as he had three prior convictions for causing injury and fleeing accident scenes in March and April of the same year. Despite knowing that drug use impairs driving ability, he operated a vehicle after consuming methamphetamine in New Taipei City. While driving in Taoyuan City, he rear-ended a female cyclist, causing severe head trauma and intracranial bleeding that proved fatal. Chen then fled the scene without attempting to help or report the accident.

Authorities apprehended Chen after reviewing surveillance footage. His urine test revealed methamphetamine levels three times the legal standard and methylamphetamine levels 12 times the standard. Prosecutors charged him with causing death by drug-impaired driving and hit-and-run. The court emphasized the severity of his actions, noting his impaired state while driving in heavy traffic and his poor attitude after the incident, which contributed to the heavy sentence.