China DUI cases spike during World Cup

Chinese police have caught 5,700 people driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol nationwide since the FIFA World Cup began on Friday.

Some 570 of these cases were classed as serious, meaning the drivers had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least 0.08, the Ministry of Public Security said in a statement on Monday.

In the other cases, the BAC of the drivers ranged from 0.02 to 0.08, which also violated the country's traffic law.

The ministry has organized a nationwide campaign to restrict a World Cup spike in traffic accidents caused by DUI.

Police have been stationed near restaurants, pubs, food stalls and karaoke bars that are popular with football fans.

In the statement, the ministry called on fans to behave themselves and drive safely while enjoying games.

During the games, traffic police will step up measures against DUI and mobilize as many human resources as possible to patrol streets, the statement said.

Although China does not compete for the FIFA World Cup, Chinese football fans are the same enthusiastic as their global peers about burning the midnight oil to watch World Cup games, which are mainly broadcast from midnight to 6 a.m. Beijing Time.

The ministry also warned against driving while tired.