Question from a reader:
I’m curious about the incident involving Impulse’s Atsushi Tsutsumita, who drove after taking a sleep aid and caused an accident. Why wasn’t he charged with dangerous driving resulting in injury or death? Additionally, how does this differ from Ryoko Hirosue’s traffic accident? It would be helpful to get a detailed explanation.
Legal Judgments and Media Influence
Recently,
I had a conversation with a friend about the legal judgment surrounding Atsushi Tsutsumita’s accident. His case involved driving after taking a sleep aid, which raised the possibility of being charged with dangerous driving resulting in injury or death. However, it was ultimately handled as negligent driving causing injury. This distinction is quite intriguing.
What is Dangerous Driving Resulting in Injury or Death?
Dangerous driving resulting in injury or death is one of the most serious offenses under the Automobile Driving Punishment Law. It must be proven that the driver’s condition was in a state where “normal driving was significantly difficult.” In other words, simply taking medication does not automatically imply danger; the extent of its impact on driving ability must be established. In Tsutsumita’s case, although he took a sleep aid, it was not proven how adversely it affected his driving, leading to the conclusion of negligent driving causing injury.
Differences with Ryoko Hirosue’s Case
In contrast, Ryoko Hirosue’s traffic accident was reported with an emphasis on “confusion” and “abnormal behavior,” which raised suspicions of dangerous driving causing injury. Even if drug tests returned negative, media influence can greatly alter public perception. In legal practice, media coverage and social reactions can significantly impact outcomes.
Equality of Law and Reality
While the law should be applied equally, its enforcement can sometimes become political or sensational. The fact that Tsutsumita’s case ended without prosecution, while Hirosue’s case attracted media scrutiny and escalating accusations, exemplifies a cynical application of justice. It is unfortunate when the operation of law strays from its intended spirit.
Memories and Lessons
As I shared this story with my friend, I was reminded of my university days when I learned the fundamentals of law. I distinctly remember a professor saying, “The law exists for the people.” In a context where legal application is often influenced by human emotions and situations, it is crucial to consider how to maintain fairness. So, have you ever faced similar legal issues? What are your thoughts on how media influence affects the law? I’d love to hear your experiences and opinions in the comments so we can share insights with each other.
