"Cutting in Front of Me"... 70-Year-Old Given Probation for Retaliatory Driving After Overtaking Bus

Daegu District Court Sentences 6 Months Imprisonment with 1 Year Probation

A man in his 70s who became angry when a bus cut in front of his car, overtook the bus, and then suddenly braked causing an accident was sentenced to a suspended prison term.

On the 17th, Judge Moon Chaeyoung of the Criminal Division 6 at Daegu District Court announced that A (70), who was indicted on charges of causing a traffic accident through retaliatory driving (special injury, etc.), was sentenced to six months in prison with a one-year suspension. A was also ordered to perform 160 hours of community service.

The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. A view of the Gyeongbu Expressway. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

On April 29 of last year, at around 9:50 a.m., while driving a passenger car on the Gyeongbu Expressway heading toward Seoul in Gangnae-myeon, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju City, A became angry when a bus driven by B, a man in his 60s, cut in front of his car and decided to engage in retaliatory driving. He then changed lanes, drove quickly to overtake the bus, cut back in front of the bus, and suddenly braked. Due to A’s actions, B was unable to avoid A’s vehicle and collided with it. As a result of the accident, B sustained injuries requiring two weeks of medical treatment, and the front part of the bus was partially damaged, incurring repair costs of 1.7 million won.

During the trial, A reportedly stated, "I was angry because B’s vehicle cut in front of me." Judge Moon pointed out, "A deliberately braked suddenly, which could have caused a dangerous accident, showing a very poor nature of the crime." Regarding the sentencing, the judge explained, "Considering that the damage was compensated through the insurance the defendant had enrolled in and fortunately the victim was not seriously injured."

Meanwhile, recently, a truck driver who engaged in retaliatory driving by overtaking a bus and then slowing down, claiming the bus obstructed his path, was sentenced to prison. On the 10th of last month, Judge Oh Myeonghee of the Criminal Division 3 at Daejeon District Court sentenced C (58), who was indicted on charges of special injury and special property damage, to 10 months in prison.

On February 13 of last year, at around 12:25 p.m., while driving a truck on a four-lane one-way road in Seo-gu, Daejeon, C became angry because a bus obstructed his path. Without using turn signals, he overtook the bus and then slowed down. When the bus moved to another lane to avoid C’s vehicle, C followed without signaling again, eventually causing the bus to collide with the truck. Four bus passengers sustained injuries requiring about two weeks of medical treatment.

The court stated, "Retaliatory driving carries a high risk of leading to a major accident, and especially since the defendant targeted a bus carrying an unspecified number of passengers and caused injuries to the passengers, the blameworthiness is significant. The defendant has neither been forgiven nor made any effort to repair the damage, so a prison sentence is imposed."