Police Officer Accused of Aggressive Driving: 'My Child Cried from Sudden Braking, Which Made Me Angry'
A police officer in Hyogo Prefecture was charged with violating traffic laws for aggressive driving, allegedly stating that his child's crying after sudden braking provoked his actions.
In Hyogo Prefecture, a police officer has been charged with aggressive driving under the Road Traffic Act due to an incident that occurred last July. The officer, a male sergeant in his 40s who worked in the administrative department of the prefectural police headquarters, was reported for repeatedly changing lanes and obstructing the path of a nearby vehicle. The incident, which spanned approximately 175 meters, was classified by the Hyogo Prefectural Police as a case of aggressive driving, reflecting increasing concerns about road behavior among those expected to enforce the law.
The suspect explained that his anger was triggered when a nearby car changed lanes in front of him, prompting him to slam on the brakes suddenly. This reaction startled his young child, who began to cry, leading him to act aggressively towards the other driver. Such revelations bring to light the expectations placed on law enforcement officials and question the behavior of those who hold authority in maintaining public safety. As a result, the officer was issued a written reprimand and formally reported for his actions due to the escalating trend of aggressive driving incidents.
Additionally, on the same date, another male sergeant from Kakogawa was also charged with similar aggressive driving, illustrating a pattern of misconduct among police personnel. Reports indicate that he too was subjected to disciplinary action, receiving a one-month pay decrease. This sequence of events may spark broader discussions about the accountability of law enforcement officers and the necessity for stricter regulations to curb such dangerous behaviors on the road, emphasizing a need for police to model exemplary conduct in public life.