Okinawa police adding patrols, checkpoints

[unhappycamper]

Okinawa police adding patrols, checkpoints
By Chiyomi Sumida, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Tuesday, December 18, 2007

CAMP FOSTER — Okinawa prefectural police are increasing the number of traffic checkpoints and patrols during their annual Year-end and New Year Holiday Traffic Safety Campaign.

The two-week campaign is slated to last from Dec. 21 to Jan. 4 throughout the island.

“This is the time of year when we have a high incidence of drunken driving, including fatal cases,” said Osamu Ota, an assistant inspector at the Ginowan Police Station.

~snip~

The modified law, which went into effect in September, imposes harsher penalties for serious traffic violations. Driving under the influence of alcohol can bring a three-year prison term or a maximum fine of 500,000 yen (about $4,500). A driver who clearly is intoxicated — for instance, has difficulty talking coherently or walking a straight line — faces a maximum five-year jail term or a one million yen fine (about $9,000).

The same penalties apply to any person who provides a vehicle to a driver found guilty of driving under the influence. Also, the people who provided alcohol to the drunken driver, and any passengers in the car at the time of the traffic stop, face penalties of up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 500,000 yen ($4,500).


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=51061

[rpannier]

1. It's a good thing

I have been living in Korea for over a decade now (no I'm not a serviceman).

I've spent two New Years in Japan and the roads are chaotic enough without the drunks.

Not to mention the sidewalks -- I've nearly been run over by several people riding their bikes in the rain with one one hand on the handle bars and the other holding an umbrella to keep the rain off.

[fed-up]

2. WoW-and any passengers in the car at the time of the traffic stop-3 Years & $4,500 nt