Illegal Lane Change Crossing Pedestrian Crosswalk
Smoking While Driving, Spitting on the Road, and Using Smartphone
Citizens "Risking Their Own Safety and Harming Others" Outraged
Some Drivers Illegally Modify Motorcycles Causing Severe Noise Pollution
A delivery worker is delivering food at a fast pace. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article.
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "Delivery motorcycle reckless driving is really too much."
As the COVID-19 pandemic prolongs, the delivery industry is booming, but the reckless driving of some delivery motorcycle drivers is increasing stress among citizens.
According to Statistics Korea, the transaction amount for online food services in the second quarter of this year was 3.8 trillion won, an increase of more than 70% compared to the previous year. The number of orders for major companies has more than doubled in just over a year, showing a steep growth trend. Naturally, as the number of delivery motorcycle workers increases, delivery order platform companies are enjoying an unprecedented boom.
The problem lies in the reckless driving of some delivery motorcycle drivers. On the afternoon of the 14th, at a busy intersection in Seoul, about seven delivery motorcycles attempted aggressive lane cutting and sped through between vehicles. This caused severe traffic congestion, paralyzing the area for a short time.
In another case, a motorcycle driver quickly passed by pedestrians at a crosswalk where they were supposed to stop at a red light, weaving through people. Pedestrians crossing the street were left bewildered and had to dodge to avoid danger.
There were even cases of stunt driving while smoking with one hand. Additionally, drivers using smartphones or riding on sidewalks, effectively running wild, were easily seen. Some delivery workers were speeding inside apartment complexes or officetel residential areas.
In June, a delivery motorcycle was riding on the sidewalk carrying cargo in a busy area of Seoul. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr
Citizens immediately expressed outrage. They pointed out that reckless driving not only endangers the delivery workers themselves but also causes serious stress and harm to others.
Kim (38), an office worker living in Seoul, said, "Delivery motorcycle reckless driving is really infuriating," adding, "Running red lights, riding on sidewalks, and illegal U-turns are basic. There are even cases of driving against traffic." He continued, "That can lead to accidents and ultimately harm themselves. Fast delivery is good, but delivering while breaking the law is not acceptable."
Another office worker in his 30s, Park, criticized, "I recently saw a motorcycle speeding on the sidewalk, but sidewalks are for pedestrians only," and added, "There is a risk of accidents and fines, so how can they do that?" He expressed frustration, saying, "Sidewalk motorcycle speeding means pedestrians have to dodge on their own. There is a high risk of serious accidents."
A college student in their 20s, Lee, who said they take walks in the evening, complained, "Illegal motorcycle speeding is worse at night. The noise they make is really loud." They added, "I understand that orders pile up in the evening or at night and they want to go fast, but others suffer the consequences. I hope they drive properly."
The inconvenience caused by reckless driving is also reflected in statistics. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the number of traffic accident deaths involving motorcycles and other two-wheelers increased by 13.7% to 265. During the same period, the number of two-wheeler traffic accidents also rose by 2.7%. Additionally, the 'Public Reporting Group' designated by the National Police Agency reported 7,823 two-wheeler traffic violations over three months starting in May this year.
In June, a delivery motorcycle was parked next to the sidewalk trees for food delivery. The motorcycle quickly traveled through various parts of the sidewalk. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr
In particular, the situation of some drivers illegally tuning (modifying) their motorcycles, causing loud noise, is serious.
Lee, a worker in their 40s, said, "I live in an apartment, and there are many orders in the evening, sometimes for late-night snacks. The problem is the motorcycle noise," adding, "Sometimes the noise is tremendous from when the motorcycle enters and leaves the apartment complex."
Given this situation, local governments are cracking down. Gunpo City in Gyeonggi Province announced on the 14th that it had caught five cases of loud noise caused by illegal tuning (modification) of delivery motorcycles.
According to Gunpo City, on the 10th, in cooperation with Gunpo Police Station and the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, they conducted surprise crackdowns on illegal motorcycle noise at two locations: Sanbon Market intersection and Dangdong-ro?Geumdang-ro, catching five cases.
Among these, four cases involved illegal tuning, and one case exceeded the noise allowance standard. According to current law, illegal tuning is punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won. Exceeding noise allowance standards results in administrative measures such as improvement orders and fines up to 1 million won.
Regarding the increase in complaints about motorcycle noise, an official from a district office emphasized, "Delivery companies must conduct daily inspections on motorcycle safety, including providing helmets and educating drivers on traffic law compliance." They added, "We urge related agencies to request business owners to manage safety to prevent accident-causing behaviors such as running red lights."
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