Unlicensed elderly driver who killed 2 children in central Taiwan sentenced to 14 months

​TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A 74-year-old unlicensed driver surnamed Hsiao (蕭), who fatally struck two elementary school children on a crosswalk was sentenced Thursday to 14 months in prison.

The children's grandfather told reporters the deaths of the two sisters have left the family deeply saddened, including their surviving brother. He said the sentence is “too light and unfair” and plans to appeal.

Changhua District Prosecutors Office said that after receiving the judgment, it will weigh the opinions of the victims’ family, the court’s reasoning, and the appropriateness of the sentence before deciding whether to appeal.

On Feb. 22, 2024, Hsiao drove without a license through the intersection of Jianguo Road and Section 3 of Meigang Road in Changhua County's Shengang Township. He entered the intersection on a green light, driving at approximately 77 kph, and struck the three siblings as they crossed against a red light.

The children were thrown to the ground. Despite several months of treatment, the two sisters died in September and October, while the brother recovered from a minor leg injury.

Hsiao said he did not see the victims until they were already in front of his vehicle. Blaming trees for obstructing his view, he denied any wrongdoing.

The court found that Hsiao was speeding through a well-lit, unobstructed intersection and should have seen the girls crossing. Driving an SUV, he had a better field of vision than a typical sedan.

Considering Hsiao’s age, unlicensed driving, and violation of traffic rules that caused the deaths, the court increased his sentence under the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act.

However, the court acknowledged that Hsiao met the criteria for voluntary surrender and reduced his sentence under the Criminal Code. He was convicted of negligent homicide while driving without a license and failing to yield to pedestrians.