Taiwan's Teen Drivers Under Scrutiny: Crackdown on Unlicensed Driving

Pingtung County's Liugang Police Launch a Major Enforcement Initiative to Combat Risky Teen Driving, Aiming to Reduce Accidents and Enhance Road Safety.

In Taiwan, the high rate of accidents involving unlicensed teenage drivers in Pingtung County is causing serious concern. The proportion of accidents involving unlicensed teenage drivers accounts for a staggering 77% of all unlicensed driving incidents, highlighting a critical need for intervention.

This dangerous trend, characterized by a lack of proper driving skills and frequent violations of traffic laws, poses a significant threat to road safety. To address this alarming issue, the Liugang Police Division has launched a comprehensive enforcement program, effective May 12th, focusing on unlicensed driving.

According to statistics from the Pingtung County Police Bureau, these incidents often involve additional violations such as running red lights, driving against traffic, failing to make a two-stage left turn, and not wearing helmets. These multiple infractions demonstrate a worrying lack of understanding of road safety and traffic regulations among young drivers, significantly increasing the risk of serious accidents.

To mitigate this risk and enhance road safety, the Liugang Police Division's "Unlicensed Driving Enforcement Initiative" will vigorously target violations. The police will use a combination of methods, including checkpoints, technological surveillance, and mobile patrols, to intensify enforcement efforts in high-risk areas and during peak times. The goal is to decisively curb illegal driving and reduce the number of accidents.

According to Baron Xiang, the head of the Traffic Section of the Liugang Police Division, the program will target violations of Article 21 (unlicensed driving), Article 21-1 (driving without proper license), and Article 22 (not holding a valid driver's license) of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act.

Division Chief Wen Jixing emphasized that unlicensed driving is not only a personal violation but can also lead to irreversible tragedies for families and society. He urges all citizens to obtain legal driving licenses and adhere to traffic regulations to ensure everyone's safety on the roads. The Liugang Police Division is committed to increasing enforcement measures, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to protecting traffic safety and creating a safer road environment.