Terror on roads becoming new reality

By Kim Ji-soo

Have you noticed a recent change in the behavior of some drivers on the road? Before and even now to some extent, Korean drivers were known for not signaling when they want to change lanes and tailgating. Lately more often than not, this reporter was startled by the sudden encroachment of cars from neighboring lanes. They were sharp and unexpected twists in the angle, meaning that the aggressive driver probably wanted me to yield some space so that he or she could butt into the lane. It’s an “advanced” form of aggressiveness that is different from the crude butt-in without signaling or tail-gaiting. Combined with recent road rage, it is another element of the danger of driving in Korea.

There is another factor to watch out for when driving on Korean urban roads or highways; some very life-threatening. Just this month, a sleeping driver in a trailer truck caused a 10-car collision in the Yeosu Tunnel, resulting in one death. One of this reporter’s acquaintances and her husband unfortunately were in one of the 10 cars and the impact and the shock of the accident was felt in the urgent message she sent out afterwards to warn us to drive safely. Another sad aspect of the accident is that it was almost a replica of another road accident that happened a month ago. In July, a tour bus driver was driving sleepily, resulting in a five-car collision that killed four young women.

Driving on Korea’s highways, it is easy to notice these large buses or trucks, and yes smaller cars as well, driving menacingly. One doesn’t even have to drive. Ride on a tour bus, and there will be a few instances where you will find yourself tightly clutching onto the seat belt because of rough driving.

In addition to the road rage incidents that have made headlines lately, driving in Korea will now have to mean driving aggressively in defense.

Koreans now own over 21 million cars; that translates one car per 2.4 persons. As more cars hit the road, the patience, tolerance and alertness of drivers are on the wane. As more drivers also purchase cars on lease, meaning they will likely change into a new car in several years, there seems to be more carelessness about their cars.

The amount of regulations and fines has not deterred road terrorism. And one of the reasons being pointed out for reckless driving is the amnesty the government hands out on national holidays. On the 71st Liberation Day, about 1.42 million people received special administrative action where a large majority had their violation points rescinded or those whose licenses were suspended or in the process of being cancelled were allowed to drive immediately. Those punished for drunken driving were not included in the Aug. 15 pardons. According to figures cited by one vernacular, the government pardon in 2015 that month benefitted some 2.25 million traffic law violators, and another 2.88 million driving law offenders received a New Year’s pardon. Surely, people do not intentionally break laws especially while driving with their eyes on receiving pardons come the next national holiday. But if the punishment following any violation is mild enough, people working the longest hours among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and pressed to perform, will no doubt make it one of their rational choices to drive “flexibly.”

In some instances, despite living in the 21st century, I am tempted to call for a public campaign of sorts urging people to drive more safely; so as having not to drive in aggressive defense.