Rapid Increase in Sudden Acceleration Suspected Accidents Including Backward Running at Sicheong Station
Government Reviews Activation Plan for Pedal Black Box
Incentives Focused on Car Insurance Discounts and Recall Penalty Reductions
Consideration of Safety Evaluation Bonus Points for New Cars Equipped with Pedal Misoperation Safety Devices
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is considering measures to promote the adoption of pedal black boxes by offering discounts on vehicle insurance premiums to individuals who install them and reducing recall penalties for manufacturers. The policy aims to help determine the causes of accidents, but since discussions with insurance companies and manufacturers are necessary, it is expected to take some time before actual implementation in the field.
On the 8th, Jeon Hyung-pil, Director of the Mobility and Automobile Bureau at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, said in a phone interview with this publication, "We are considering various incentive measures to promote adoption, such as offering discounts on automobile insurance premiums to individuals who install pedal black boxes or reducing recall penalties for manufacturers." He emphasized, "In a situation where the reliability of Event Data Recorders (EDR) is being questioned, a separate independent device like a 'pedal black box' is necessary."
In the current controversial cases, drivers claim they pressed the brake, while manufacturers assert that the EDR records show the accelerator pedal was pressed, leading to sharp conflicts. If even one case of sudden acceleration despite pressing the brake is recorded by a pedal black box, the perspective on policy formulation could change. However, the government has taken a conservative stance on mandating the device due to concerns about increased vehicle consumer prices, trade barriers caused by fairness issues with imported cars, and other side effects.
Pedal brake shooting scene included in the Korea Transportation Safety Authority's announcement materials (Photo by UNECE website)
As a preventive measure against suspected sudden acceleration accidents, a policy to encourage the use of the Pedal Misoperation Support Apparatus (PMSA) is also under consideration. Director Jeon stated, "Japan has introduced a system that awards additional points in safety evaluations for vehicles equipped with PMSA," adding, "If we also provide additional points in domestic new car safety evaluations, it would help promote the spread of new safety devices."
Not only the government but also the National Assembly is conducting discussions to reduce suspected sudden acceleration accidents. Recently, Representative Han Ji-a of the People Power Party proposed a bill that would have the state partially support the costs when drivers aged 65 or older install sudden acceleration suppression devices in their vehicles. Representative Han said, "I hope the state will play a more active role in preventing accidents and casualties while not infringing on the mobility rights of elderly drivers."
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