Osaka prosecutor indicts man for dangerous driving death

The Osaka District Public Prosecutors Office has indicted 22-year-old Kota Maruoka for dangerous driving resulting in death. This marks the first time in Japan that the new legal standards for dangerous driving based on excessive speeding have been applied following recent law amendments.

The indictment stems from a fatal accident in July on the Hanshin Expressway Loop Route in Osaka. Maruoka was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and traveling at approximately 160 km/h in a zone with a 60 km/h speed limit. His vehicle collided with a motorcycle operated by a 53-year-old man, resulting in the motorcyclist's death.

Following investigations, police upgraded the charges from negligent driving causing death and driving under the influence to dangerous driving causing death, after determining the defendant's speed exceeded the new legal thresholds established in July.