Guangxi Driver Falls Asleep at the Wheel While Drunk, Relying on Autonomous Driving – Fined 1300 Yuan, 12 Points Deducted
A shocking traffic violation occurred in Liuzhou, Guangxi recently. In the early hours of April 29th, citizens reported a new energy vehicle parked in the middle of Dongjin Avenue for an extended period, obstructing traffic and posing a significant risk of a rear-end collision.
Police officers quickly arrived at the scene and found the driver, Chen, in a daze inside the vehicle, with a strong smell of alcohol. A preliminary test confirmed Chen was suspected of driving under the influence, and he was handed over to the traffic management department for further investigation.
When reviewing traffic monitoring footage and checkpoint photos, traffic police discovered an astonishing detail: although the vehicle’s intelligent driving assistance system was activated, the driver, Chen, had already fallen asleep, with both hands completely off the steering wheel.
This behavior of completely entrusting safety to a machine and allowing the vehicle to drive itself while intoxicated severely challenges the bottom line of traffic safety. Because the driver was unable to perceive road conditions, the vehicle eventually stopped in the middle of the road without any manual intervention. Fortunately, traffic volume was low at the time, and a serious accident was avoided.
Verification with a breathalyzer confirmed Chen’s blood alcohol content was 62mg/100ml, confirming he was driving under the influence. The facts proved that intelligent driving assistance is by no means a talisman for drunk driving, nor can it replace the driver’s supervisory responsibilities.
Regarding Chen’s serious illegal act, the Liuzhou traffic police imposed a severe penalty based on relevant laws and regulations. Chen was ultimately fined 1300 yuan, had 12 points deducted from his license, and had his license suspended for 6 months.
This case once again clarifies the legal bottom line. Intelligent systems are only driving aids, and drivers, as the first responsible persons for safety, must remain sober and fully control the steering wheel at all times. Any form of hands-free driving or entrusting a vehicle to drive while intoxicated will face severe legal punishment.