Assemblyman Jo O-seop Introduces the 'Cargo Truck Safety Accident Act' as Main Sponsor

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jo Oseop, a member of the National Assembly (Democratic Party of Korea·Gwangju Buk-gu Gap), announced on the 29th that he has taken the lead in proposing amendments to the 'Freight Motor Vehicle Transport Business Act' and the 'Road Traffic Safety Act' concerning freight vehicle safety accident laws.

Over the past three years, the number of freight vehicle accidents has shown an increasing trend, with 27,341 cases in 2017, 27,562 cases in 2018, and 28,788 cases in 2019.

Additionally, the number of deaths and injuries reached 961 and 41,157 respectively in 2017, 868 and 41,636 in 2018, and 802 and 42,960 in 2019.

Fines are imposed on transport operators and drivers for poor cargo loading and violations of speed limit device regulations. However, enforcement personnel lack proper legal authority, making it difficult to crack down on safety accidents.

The amendment to the 'Freight Motor Vehicle Transport Business Act' proposed by Assemblyman Jo grants automobile safety inspectors and operation restriction inspectors the authority to enforce regulations on improper cargo loading and violations of speed limit devices on freight vehicles. It also strengthens penalties from fines up to 5 million won to imprisonment of up to 2 years or fines up to 20 million won.

Furthermore, the amendment to the 'Road Traffic Safety Act' grants automobile safety inspectors and operation restriction inspectors the authority to enforce the mandatory installation of event data recorders and lane departure warning devices, thereby enhancing road safety and the effectiveness of enforcement.

Assemblyman Jo stated, “Although the government is implementing various policies to reduce freight vehicle traffic accidents, such as the freight safety fare system and hazardous materials transport system operation, this amendment was prepared to resolve the issue of enforcement personnel not having legally guaranteed authority. I will do my best in legislation for the life and safety of the people.”