Seoul Police Launch Continuous Crackdown on Motorcycle Traffic Violations

Camcorder mobile enforcement patrol car. / Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 8th that starting this month, it will strengthen non-face-to-face crackdowns, education, and publicity targeting delivery companies and drivers as part of the 'Two-Wheeled Vehicle Traffic Safety Measures.'

According to the police, the number of two-wheeled vehicle traffic law violation cases last year was approximately 232,923, a 47.9% increase compared to the previous year. Traffic accidents also slightly increased to 4,716 cases from 4,626 in 2019.

The age group of drivers involved in traffic violations and accidents was concentrated in their 20s to 40s, where many delivery workers are active. In particular, 36.9% (24 people) of fatalities in two-wheeled vehicle traffic accidents were delivery workers. The police attribute the increase in two-wheeled vehicles due to the rising delivery demand amid the COVID-19 pandemic and reckless driving to complete many deliveries within limited time as the causes of increased violations and accidents.

Accordingly, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency plans to implement year-round safety measures based on the '3E' (Enforcement, Engineering, Education) principles of traffic safety, including traffic enforcement, facility improvements, and education/publicity for two-wheeled vehicle drivers.

To this end, traffic police will be assigned one-on-one to delivery companies to promote attention and supervision of compliance with traffic laws and check for any violations. They also plan to strengthen crackdowns on major two-wheeled vehicle violations such as signal violations, crossing the center line, and not wearing helmets. The motorcycle patrol unit will be mobilized to conduct focused crackdowns at locations with frequent two-wheeled vehicle violations, and large-scale joint crackdowns will be promoted targeting illegal modifications, reckless driving, and street racing.

At 287 major intersections, police officers will be stationed for video enforcement using camcorders, and 'mobile camcorder enforcement' utilizing patrol cars' mobility will be conducted simultaneously. Additionally, traffic safety assessments will be carried out at 737 vulnerable sections for two-wheeled vehicle traffic accidents to promote safety facility improvements.

A police official stated, "Two-wheeled vehicle traffic accidents often lead to fatal outcomes," and urged, "All drivers should recognize the risks of two-wheeled vehicle traffic accidents, strictly comply with traffic laws, and participate in safe driving."

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