[2023 National Audit] Half of 'Kickboard' Traffic Accidents Caused by 'Unlicensed' Drivers

As the number of users of PMs (Personal Mobility devices) such as 'kickboards' that allow easy movement in urban areas increases, traffic accidents are on the rise. In particular, half of the traffic accidents are caused by unlicensed driving, raising calls for the introduction of a dedicated PM license.

According to data on the 'Status of PM Traffic Accidents in the Last 3 Years' submitted by the National Police Agency to Kim Yong-pan, a member of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee from the People Power Party, on the 12th, PM traffic accidents have increased for three consecutive years, from 897 cases in 2020 to 1,735 cases in 2021, and 2,402 cases last year. This has resulted in 55 fatalities.

Kim Yong-pan, a member of the People Power Party, is making a personal statement at the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee's audit of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the National Police Agency held at the National Assembly on the 26th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Under current law, PMs can only be used by those aged 16 or older who hold a motorized vehicle license or higher, but unlicensed PM use is widespread. According to the National Police Agency, the number of unlicensed PM traffic accidents last year was 1,127, accounting for 46.9% of all PM traffic accidents.

In particular, more than 8 out of 10 unlicensed PM traffic accidents were caused by individuals aged 20 or younger, highlighting the serious issue of unlicensed PM use among youth.

Rep. Kim said, "PMs, which are gaining attention as a new means of transportation, are causing serious social problems," and added, "For a healthy culture of PM use to be established, systematic safety management and the introduction of a dedicated PM license are absolutely necessary at this point."

Rep. Kim also proposed a partial amendment to the Road Traffic Act, which includes requiring PM rental businesses to establish a system to verify the driving qualifications of those renting PMs and creating a dedicated license for personal mobility devices.

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