Police to Intensively Crack Down on Illegal Activities of Cargo Trucks 'Main Cause of Fatal Accidents' Starting Next Month

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The National Police Agency announced on the 26th that it will conduct an intensive crackdown on cargo truck violations for one month starting from the 1st of next month. Since cargo trucks account for more than half of the fatal accidents on highways, the aim is to ensure traffic safety through focused enforcement.

The National Police Agency plans to utilize all available methods such as undercover patrol cars, drones, and camcorders during this crackdown. They intend to actively enforce violations including designated lane violations, failure to wear seat belts, and improper loading. In particular, in cooperation with related organizations such as Korea Expressway Corporation and Korea Transportation Safety Authority, they will operate a 'Monday Intensive Crackdown Day' to jointly inspect cargo trucks with poor maintenance and illegal modifications at major toll gates and rest areas. During times when fatal accidents frequently occur (6 AM to 10 AM and 6 PM to 10 PM), patrol cars will repeatedly conduct drowsy driving alarm patrols using flashing lights and speakers. Non-face-to-face publicity will also be carried out through variable message signs on highways to raise drivers' awareness.

The reason the police are undertaking this crackdown is based on the judgment that cargo trucks threaten highway traffic safety. In fact, the proportion of fatal accidents involving cargo trucks in the first half of this year was 64.8% (46 out of 71), more than twice that of other vehicle types. This figure represents an 11% increase compared to the same period last year (49 out of 91, 53.8%). The police explained that the main causes of cargo truck traffic accidents are non-compliance with basic safety rules and failure to drive safely (such as drowsy driving), accounting for 91.3%. Additionally, secondary accidents caused by illegal vehicle modifications, vehicle aging, and malfunctions, as well as rear-end collisions in congested areas due to brake failure, were analyzed as the main types of accidents.

A National Police Agency official stated, "Since violations such as cargo truck designated lane violations can lead to major accidents, we will continue to respond strictly," and urged, "We ask all drivers using the highways to practice safe and courteous driving habits."

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