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Zero Traffic Accidents Drunk Driving
June 26 2024
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Zero Traffic Accidents Drunk Driving
Drunk driving should be strictly prohibited as it poses a threat not only to the driver but also to the lives of others.
Furthermore, due to issues such as reduced reaction time, impaired vision, loss of judgment, and memory loss, drunk driving shows a higher fatality rate than regular traffic accidents, making it a serious social issue.
Generally, all countries legally prohibit drunk driving at the government level.
Legally, one may face penalties such as fines, license suspension, imprisonment, criminal charges, and community service. They may also be required to participate in drunk driving-related treatment programs based on expert advice.
Now, let's take a look at the current state and prevention programs for drunk driving in Canada and the United States.
Drunk Driving Statistics [Canada]
Drunk driving in Canada continuously decreased until 2018 but saw an approximate 10% increase in 2019 compared to the previous year.
This was not due to an actual increase in drunk driving but because Canada strengthened its drunk driving laws from December 2018.
In 2020, the number of drunk driving cases decreased by approximately 16% compared to the previous year, which was due to the pandemic.
In other words, the pandemic led people to drink at home rather than at restaurants or bars, resulting in a decrease in drunk driving.
Pandemic: A phenomenon where an infectious disease spreads widely across the world.
Drunk Driving Recidivism Prevention Programs [Canada]
① Ontario’s Ignition Interlock Device
The ignition interlock device requires the driver to undergo a breath test before starting the vehicle. If alcohol is detected, the vehicle will not start.
In Ontario, the device is installed for drivers who have been convicted of drunk driving or have had their licenses suspended three or more times for drunk driving within ten years.
The cost of installation and maintenance of the ignition interlock device must be paid by the driver.
Ignition Interlock Device and Breath Test Through the Device
② Saskatchewan’s Education Program
In Saskatchewan, drivers whose licenses have been suspended due to drunk driving must complete a recidivism prevention education program to have their driver’s license reinstated.
The content, duration, and cost of the education program vary depending on the number of drunk driving offenses.
Drunk Driving Recidivism Prevention Education Program / Number of Offenses / Program / Content
First Offense:
-This program educates participants on the serious issues caused by drunk driving and teaches the definition and standards of drunk driving.
-The program includes videos, group discussions, and presentations.
-The total program length is 14 hours, and the cost is 160,000 KRW.
-It is conducted over two days on the weekend.
Second Offense:
-This program educates participants on the awareness and side effects of alcohol and the impact of drunk driving on the driver’s family.
-It covers the side effects of alcohol, alcohol addiction, and addiction symptoms.
-The total program length is 26 hours, and the cost is 430,000 KRW.
-It is conducted over four days across two weekends.
Three or More Offenses:
-This program is conducted with an addiction specialist counselor, and the content, duration, and cost of the program vary according to the driver’s characteristics and the nature of the violations.
-The driver must participate in the program until they pass the assessment by the specialist counselor.
Compared to Canada, South Korea’s fines and penalties for drunk driving are relatively high, but the variety of drunk driving prevention programs is limited.
Considering South Korea’s high recidivism rate for drunk driving (45% as of 2020), it is important to strengthen the penalties for first-time offenders, but it is also urgent to supplement programs that can reduce the recidivism rate.
In fact, in Alberta, Canada, the use of ignition interlock devices has led to an approximately 89% reduction in recidivism rates.
Drunk Driving Recidivism Rate in Alberta, Canada / Approximately 89% Reduction
Drunk Driving Statistics [United States]
Recently, the topic of new smart technologies and non-punitive measures for drunk driving has become a significant issue in the United States.
Despite various efforts in the U.S., such as introducing laws and technologies to prevent drunk driving accidents, many people still suffer injuries or fatalities due to drunk driving incidents.
Currently, U.S. drunk driving laws are predominantly punitive, but there is a consensus within the country that they are not particularly effective.
Additionally, it is pointed out that excessive police activities in certain areas or among minority groups infringe on people’s rights and contribute to discriminatory practices.
Drunk Driving Recidivism Prevention Programs [United States ]
① Alcohol Detection Systems
Starting in 2026, newly manufactured cars and trucks will be required to have alcohol detection systems installed.
In this system, the driver places their finger on a sensor located on the gear shift or start button, and the sensor uses infrared light to scan the driver’s skin surface to measure their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level.
This system, equipped in vehicles, prevents the engine from starting if the driver is under the influence of alcohol.
It has been reported that this could potentially reduce the number of annual fatalities in the United States by approximately 9,400.
② Ignition Interlock Devices
Ignition interlock devices use a breathalyzer that prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath.
This device has already been widely used to help prevent repeat offenses among drivers convicted of drunk driving.
Since 2006, ignition interlock devices have prevented more than 2.3 million attempts to drive under the influence of alcohol.
③ Intelligent Speed Assistance Systems
Intelligent speed assistance systems operate through wireless internet telematics and GPS within the vehicle. These systems identify road speed limits via GPS and, if the vehicle exceeds the speed limit, warn the driver and cause the accelerator pedal to respond more slowly.
New York City is the first in the United States to conduct a six-month pilot program equipping 50 new vehicles with Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems.
1. The GPS operates from the vehicle’s location and sends local speed limit information to the dashboard.
2. The car also uses 'sign recognition cameras' to assess speed limits.
3. The vehicle uses this information to help the driver stay within the speed limit.
4. The driver can override the system by pressing the accelerator pedal.
With the continuous increase in drunk driving-related accidents, the U.S. is anticipating major changes in its road traffic safety policies.
Many are hopeful that the application of smart technology will protect people from drunk driving accidents, serving as a complement to punitive measures, which have not been very effective.
However, the media has raised concerns about the potential technical limitations and privacy issues, such as the possibility of the system mistakenly identifying individuals with disabilities as being intoxicated, if mandatory installation of drunk driving prevention systems in vehicles is enforced.
Therefore, for the implementation of the infrastructure bill, it is expected that accepting a variety of public opinions and closely addressing the technical shortcomings will protect many lives and ensure safety.
In our country, although the number of drunk driving accidents has decreased due to the impact of COVID-19, it is evident that many fatal accidents still occur, with around 200 people losing their lives each year in drunk driving accidents.
To address this problem, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission conducted a survey on measures to prevent drunk driving recidivism. The survey found that 95% of respondents believed that installing ignition interlock devices and completing alcohol treatment programs should be mandatory.
In countries like the United States and Sweden, the introduction of ignition interlock devices has led to a reduction in drunk driving recidivism rates by up to 90%. Although South Korea had plans to pilot this program, funding has not been secured.
By referring to such examples of drunk driving recidivism prevention programs, South Korea can strengthen penalties while also providing education on the effects of alcohol, drunk driving, and alcohol metabolism time, which would help reduce the incidence of drunk driving.
*This card news was produced by modifying and supplementing parts of the KOTI Brief on Zero Traffic Accidents 2023 Vol.10 No.1 ‘Zero Traffic Accidents, Drunk Driving’.