Rental Car Unlicensed Driving Accidents Increase by 13.9% Annually... 4 out of 10 Cases Involve Drivers Aged 20 or Younger

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Unlicensed traffic accidents involving rental cars have increased by an average of 13.9% annually over the past five years. Among all unlicensed rental car traffic accidents, 3 to 4 out of 10 involved drivers aged 20 or younger.

Provided by Korea Transportation Safety Authority.

According to the Korea Transportation Safety Authority on the 20th, there were a total of 399 unlicensed rental car traffic accidents last year. By year, there were 237 cases in 2016, 353 in 2017, 366 in 2018, 375 in 2019, and 399 in 2020, showing an average annual increase of 13.9%.

When drivers are categorized by age, those aged 20 or younger accounted for 677 cases, representing 39.1% of the total. This was followed by ages 21?30 with 447 cases (25.8%), 31?40 with 240 cases (13.9%), 41?50 with 209 cases (12.1%), and 51?60 with 131 cases (7.6%).

Over the past five years, the total number of deaths caused by unlicensed rental car traffic accidents was 23, with the highest proportion (56.5%) among those aged 20 or younger.

Last year, there were a total of 1,228 drunk driving accidents involving rental cars, increasing by an average of 5.6% annually over the past five years.

The total number of deaths caused by drunk driving rental car accidents during this period was 83, increasing by an average of 11.4% annually.

By age group, drivers aged 21?30 had the highest accident rate at 32.2% and the highest death rate at 53.0%, indicating the most serious situation.

A representative from the Korea Transportation Safety Authority stated, "To prevent unlicensed driving of rental cars, recent legal amendments have strengthened the prohibition and penalties for third-party driving," adding, "Active cooperation from renters and rental businesses is necessary."