Drunk Driving Drama in Taiwan: Driver Flees, Crashes, and Car Catches Fire

A 25-year-old driver in Taiwan, caught without a seatbelt and smelling of alcohol, led police on a chase before crashing his car and igniting a fire.

On the morning of December 12th, a dramatic incident unfolded on a road beneath the Zhuchi Interchange of National Highway 3 in Taiwan, involving a 25-year-old driver, Mr. Zhou.

During a routine traffic enforcement operation targeting seatbelt violations, highway police observed Mr. Zhou driving without a seatbelt and detecting the smell of alcohol. When officers signaled for him to pull over, Mr. Zhou instead chose to flee the scene.

A pursuit ensued, culminating in Mr. Zhou losing control of his vehicle near the Zhuchi Interchange. The car subsequently crashed into a utility pole and caught fire. Fortunately, Mr. Zhou managed to escape the vehicle before suffering any serious injuries.

After the incident, a breathalyzer test was administered to Mr. Zhou, which indicated the presence of alcohol, but did not reach the legal limit for drunk driving. Therefore, the case is being handled as a traffic accident.

Mr. Zhou now faces penalties for refusing to stop for inspection and for failing to follow lane markings, as per the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act. These include fines and a six-month suspension of his driver's license.

The National Highway Police Bureau's 8th Highway Police Division has emphasized the importance of adhering to safety regulations, including wearing seatbelts and refraining from driving under the influence. They also urge drivers to comply with police instructions at checkpoints to ensure the safety of all road users.