In May 2024, a 71-year-old man was convicted in Japan's Maebashi District Court for causing a tragic accident that resulted in the deaths of three family members. The court found that the defendant, who had been driving a truck under the influence of alcohol, collided with a car, leading to the fatalities of a 26-year-old man, his 2-year-old son, and his 53-year-old father. The presiding judge upheld the dangerous driving charge, emphasizing that the defendant's impaired condition made normal driving impossible.

During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence indicating that the defendant's blood alcohol concentration peaked immediately prior to the accident, exceeding the legal limit by more than five times. They argued that, due to his intoxication, the driver was unable to judge distances and handle the vehicle properly, thus fulfilling the criteria for a dangerous driving conviction. Despite denying any drinking on that day, the defense contended that the man's driving had been appropriate at first and that the accident resulted from inattentiveness rather than intoxication.

The case highlights the ongoing issues related to drunk driving in Japan, where public safety remains a significant concern. The severe penalty imposed by the court underscores a hardline stance on dangerous driving offenses, particularly those resulting in loss of life. This ruling may serve as a precedent for future cases and reflect societal expectations for accountability in similar incidents.