Trucker's Mishap Reveals Drunk Driving at Tainan Intersection

A seemingly minor traffic incident at an intersection in Tainan, Taiwan, unexpectedly exposed a drunk driving offense. The collision occurred when a 60-year-old man, driving a small truck, experienced issues while shifting gears. This malfunction caused his vehicle to slide backward, striking a car that was waiting at the red light.

The accident took place around 9:20 AM at the intersection of Heyi Road and Yongfu Road in the Central-West District. The truck driver, identified as Mr. Chen, was stopped at the light when he encountered problems with his gear shift. The truck lost power and stability, leading to the uncontrolled backward movement.

The driver of the car behind, Mr. Hong, had no time to react or evade the oncoming truck. Fortunately, neither driver nor any passengers sustained injuries in the collision, which resulted in only minor damage to the vehicles' exteriors. This outcome was considered fortunate given the circumstances.

However, during the police investigation into the cause of the accident, officers detected a strong smell of alcohol on Mr. Chen and noted his impaired state. A breathalyzer test was administered, confirming that his blood alcohol level was above the legal limit. What began as a case of accidental rear-ending due to operational error transformed into a serious offense.

Following the discovery, police processed the scene and took Mr. Chen into custody. He has been transferred for further investigation on charges of endangering public safety. In addition to facing legal penalties for drunk driving, he will also be responsible for the vehicle damage compensation to Mr. Hong.