Police and Fire Services' 'Emergency Vehicle' Traffic Accident Special Cases Greatly Expanded... "Securing Golden Time"

Enactment and Enforcement of Revised Road Traffic Act
Includes Provisions for Reducing Penalties in Accidents under the 'Minsik-i Law'

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The special traffic privileges for 'emergency vehicles' such as police cars and fire trucks during official duties in case of traffic accidents will be significantly expanded going forward.

The National Police Agency and the Fire Agency announced that the revised Road Traffic Act with these provisions will be promulgated and enforced starting from the 12th. This revision includes expanding special traffic privileges for emergency vehicles used by police, fire, ambulance, and blood transport to secure the 'golden time' in emergency situations.

Until now, emergency vehicles were partially allowed to violate traffic laws such as running red lights or speeding in urgent situations, but in case of traffic accidents, special privileges were only recognized in three cases: speed limits, overtaking prohibition, and lane cutting prohibition. In other cases, the 'Special Act on Traffic Accident Handling' was applied just like regular vehicles.

This placed the responsibility for traffic accidents on the individual drivers of emergency vehicles, which acted as an obstacle for on-site police officers and firefighters to actively perform their duties. Moreover, the so-called 'Min-sik Act,' which strengthened penalties for child traffic accidents in school zones from March 25 last year, was applied without exception to emergency vehicle drivers performing official duties, increasing anxiety among field workers.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The revised Road Traffic Act was prepared to resolve the dilemma between 'rapid arrival at the scene' and 'safe driving.' It adds a total of nine special privileges exclusively for emergency vehicles directly related to the life and safety of the public: ▲prohibition of running red lights ▲prohibition of crossing the center line ▲prohibition of reversing, crossing, and U-turns ▲obligation to maintain a safe distance ▲obligation to comply with overtaking methods ▲prohibition of stopping and parking ▲prohibition of parking ▲prohibition of walking on sidewalks ▲obligation to take measures in case of breakdowns or other situations.

Additionally, even if a traffic accident subject to the Min-sik Act occurs, provisions were included to reduce or exempt penalties by considering the urgency and inevitability of emergency activities.

The police and fire agencies stated, "With this revision of the Road Traffic Act, field workers can actively perform their duties without worrying about traffic accidents occurring during official duties," and added, "It is expected to greatly contribute to protecting the lives and safety of the public by enabling rapid dispatch and securing the golden time."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.