By Yun Suh-young
Traffic in Seoul can trap motorists behind the wheel for hours on end and watching digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) devices can be a tempting way to pass the stop and go drive. Not anymore as drivers caught watching DMB will face fines between 30,000 and 70,000 won plus penalty points.
The government decided to impose the fines Thursday to ensure road safety and prevent traffic accidents arising from such distractions.
The measure came after three cyclists were killed by a truck driver who was watching TV while driving last month.
A law banning motorists from watching TV while driving was adopted last year but no specific regulations on punishment had been stipulated.
From now on, cars will be mandatorily equipped with DMBs that can only receive signals when the car is not moving.
Other changes if the new rule is implemented will require those over the age of 70 to take the drivers’ aptitude test more often. Until now they took the test every five years.
A “silver mark” indicating that an elderly person is driving will also be distributed to older drivers so that other drivers are extra cautious. About 5.3 percent of the total driving population is made up of the elderly.
As for commercial vehicles, a driver certificate system will be implemented starting in August. The company hiring a driver deemed inappropriate for driving a commercial car will be fined. Until 2013, about 670,000 taxis, buses and trucks will be equipped with digital driving record devices.
On another note, concerning prevention of fire, the government will make it compulsory for commercial buildings to establish smoke ventilation in case of fire and install sprinklers even in buildings above ground level.