As drug-related traffic accidents are on the rise, there are calls for heightened awareness regarding drug driving.
On the 26th, the Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Traffic Climate and Environment Research Institute released statistics on traffic accidents caused by drug and medication driving in observance of 'Day Against Drugs.' According to the Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance automobile accident database, the number of accidents related to drugs and medication (including sleeping pills and tranquilizers) was only 2 in 2019, but increased to 23 in 2024, a tenfold rise.
Most of these accidents were due to driving after taking sleeping pills or after undergoing sleep endoscopy, resulting in accidents caused by medications (psychotropic drugs). The Road Traffic Act prohibits driving in a condition where there is a concern about the ability to drive normally under the influence of drugs, including narcotics and marijuana, as well as psychotropic drugs such as sleeping pills and tranquilizers.
Among psychotropic drugs, those that can be prescribed at hospitals, such as sleeping pills (zolpidem, etc.), tranquilizers (diazepam, etc.), and anesthetics (propofol, midazolam, etc.) are included. It is known that overdosing on medications containing dextromethorphan, among cold medicines, can induce drowsiness and significantly increase the risk of accidents.
Last year, out of the automobile accidents reported to Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance, 20 accidents were attributed to cold medicine.
Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance noted, 'In observance of Day Against Drugs, it is essential for everyone to recognize the dangers of drug driving, and to maintain awareness of the proper use of medications and safe driving in daily life.'
As of April 1 this year, the Road Traffic Act has been partially amended, enhancing the penalties for drug driving and providing legal basis and authority for police to conduct quick drug tests. Relevant regulations will come into effect on April 2 next year.