Fukuoka marks 20 years since fatal Uminonakamichi Bridge drunk driving accident

On August 25, 2026, various organizations in Fukuoka, Japan, held campaigns to prevent drunk driving, marking the 20th anniversary of the fatal Uminonakamichi Bridge accident. In that 2006 incident, a drunk driver collided with a vehicle carrying a family of five, resulting in the deaths of three young children.

To commemorate the anniversary, police and local officials conducted street activities in Fukuoka City, distributing flyers and promoting the message “never do it, never let it happen, never forgive it.” While drunk driving incidents in Fukuoka Prefecture have decreased compared to the previous year, 48 cases were reported through July, indicating that the issue persists.

Local broadcasters, including TNC TV Nishinippon, FBS Fukuoka Broadcasting, and RKB Mainichi Broadcasting, are also running special programming and campaigns. TNC is airing a special program focused on the long-term impact of the accident and the ongoing efforts to change social consciousness, particularly among children, to view drunk driving as an absolute crime.