In May two years ago, a tragic accident occurred on a national road in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture, where three individuals lost their lives. The court case centered around whether the accident was due to negligence or the effects of alcohol. The judges fully acknowledged the prosecution's argument, concluding that the driver's ability to operate the vehicle was severely impaired by alcohol consumption. The court's focus was primarily on the defendant's reckless actions leading to the collision, including a sudden steering maneuver at approximately 90 km/h, which directly led to crashing into oncoming traffic.

During the trial, the prosecution called for a stiff penalty of 20 years in prison, characterizing the defendant, Goro Suzuki, 71, as engaging in extremely dangerous and aberrant driving behavior. In contrast, the defense argued that the cause of the accident was due to inattentiveness and speeding rather than alcohol influence. They sought to diminish the role of alcohol in the incident, attempting to suggest that other factors were responsible for the tragic outcome. However, the prosecution maintained a strong stance, emphasizing that the defendant had consumed shochu prior to driving, which significantly impaired his spatial awareness and decision-making capabilities during the incident.

Key evidence presented in court included insights from an expert witness who highlighted the correlation between the driver's alcohol consumption and his erratic driving patterns. This expert testimony became a pivotal moment in the investigation, reinforcing the prosecution's claims about the defendant's impaired judgment and decision-making. Ultimately, the court's ruling not only underscores the judicial system's stance against dangerous driving under the influence of alcohol but also serves as a cautionary tale regarding the dire consequences of impaired driving.