"Just a Biker Gang, Right?" Delivery Drivers' Reckless Driving Sparks Public Outrage [Reporter Han on the Scene]

Loud Roaring as Riders Speed Through the City
Delivery Competition Raises Risk of Safety Accidents
Some Riders Drive Recklessly Like Racing
Citizens Say "Uncomfortable to Watch and Very Dangerous"

Delivery workers are speeding through an intersection in Seoul as if they were in a race. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "It's just a loud noise. It's unpleasant to hear and also dangerous..."

As the delivery service industry thrives, critical views toward delivery workers are also increasing. Most citizens' complaints focus on unsafe driving. Sudden crossings at pedestrian crosswalks and stunt-like driving that involves riding on sidewalks to dodge people are common. Some even look at their smartphones or smoke while driving, raising serious concerns about traffic accidents.

Recently, at a busy intersection in Seoul, a scene resembling a motorcycle race by delivery riders unfolded. They crossed stop lines and pedestrian crossings to enter and exit the intersection, then sped off as soon as the signal changed.

Riders are waiting at the crosswalk signal. This appears to be for faster delivery. However, it poses a risk of safety accidents and should be avoided. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

Citizens who witnessed this voiced strong criticism. Mr. Kim, a company employee in his 40s, said, "I've often seen (riders') speeding and reckless driving, but today's scene seemed the worst recently." He added, "The delivery industry is competitive, but if this leads to a major accident, who ultimately suffers?"

Another company employee in his 30s, Mr. Choi, pointed out, "Now they blatantly run red lights, and this isn't just a one- or two-day issue; there are really many problems." He also expressed frustration, saying, "The motorcycle noise is too loud..."

Meanwhile, some riders deliberately bend or contaminate their license plates with adhesive to avoid detection. There are also cases where license plates are covered with dolls or locks. Intentionally obscuring license plates is punishable under Article 10 of the Automobile Management Act by a fine of up to 10 million KRW or imprisonment of up to one year, but in reality, traffic laws are being flouted.

Delivery workers are waiting for the signal after crossing the crosswalk. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

Last year, there were about 232,000 cases of motorcycle traffic violations detected, a roughly 50% increase compared to 2019. During the same period, motorcycle traffic accidents also rose by about 2%. Notably, one out of three fatalities in related accidents was a delivery worker. The age group most affected was concentrated in their 20s to 40s, which is the primary demographic of delivery workers.

While the worsening conditions of delivery workers driven by increased demand and competition are related, the surge in reckless driving is also a factor. According to the insurance industry, motorcycle accident cases increased by 45.9% over the past five years, from 12,654 in 2015 to 18,467 in 2019. Additionally, last year, the public reporting group received about 38,000 reports of traffic violations by motorcycles, including signal violations, riding on sidewalks, and not wearing helmets.

Citizens pointed out that some reckless delivery riders are making things difficult for all riders. Mr. Park, a company employee in his 50s met near the intersection, said, "Ultimately, one or two people smoke or use smartphones while driving, causing everyone to be criticized." He added, "If an accident happens, isn't it only themselves who suffer? It's unfortunate."

Authorities in charge of enforcement stated they will respond more strictly to citizens' complaints. A police official said, "Local governments are cooperating in enforcement," and emphasized, "We will promptly resolve citizens' inconveniences and crack down on reckless delivery as much as possible." He added, "For the safety of delivery workers, reckless driving such as running red lights must be avoided as much as possible."

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