Drunk Driving Fatalities Rise 71% to 24 in Jan-Feb; Ministry of Transportation to Strengthen Enforcement

From January to February this year, drunk driving resulted in 24 deaths, an increase of 10 people or 71.4% compared to the same period last year. The Ministry of Transportation analyzed that this may be related to the many year-end and spring banquets, leading to people driving while hungover. The Ministry reminded the public not to let their guard down and stated that it will strengthen prevention and enforcement, which requires the joint efforts of central and local governments. Deputy Minister Chen Yen-po stated that while the overall number of road traffic deaths in February 115 decreased compared to the previous year, deaths from drunk driving increased, necessitating stronger measures. Wu Tung-ling, Director of the Department of Roadway and Traffic Safety, pointed out that many accidents occurred in the early morning, suggesting that people may be driving while still intoxicated after resting, as their blood alcohol levels remain high. New Taipei City and Taichung City saw increases in deaths, requiring special attention.