Did They Intend to Cause an Accident... Outrage Over Overloaded Vehicle Crossing the Center Line

Reports of Overloaded Cargo Truck Sightings
Dangerous Driving While Crossing Center Line
Possible Penalties for Violating Road Traffic Act

A story has been shared about witnessing a vehicle dangerously operating while overloaded with an enormous amount of cargo.

A vehicle overloaded with cargo. Sensitive information such as license plates has been pixelated. [Photo by Online Community]

On the 16th, a post titled "Cargo Loading, Let's Not Do This" was uploaded on an online community. The author, Mr. A, began by saying, "I witnessed a cargo truck dangerously overloaded and operating near Galsan-ri, Gimpo."

In the photos shared by Mr. A, a cargo truck carrying iron plates is seen driving on the road. There are a total of seven plates loaded, causing the truck to tilt to the left due to the weight. There are no visible straps or safety devices securing the cargo, and the truck is driving while crossing the center line. Pedestrians standing on the sidewalk are watching the overloaded truck with anxious eyes.

Mr. A explained, "On a narrow one-lane road, the truck driver seemed to think it was natural to cross the center line to avoid obstacles, and vehicles in the opposite lane either avoided or stopped due to the great threat." He added, "I don't understand what kind of nuisance this is. When I showed the photos to the police station I passed by, they said it looked too dangerous and that they would dispatch enforcement."

Mr. A also added, "A careless thought like 'It will be okay' leads to major accidents," and "I hope the police enforced the regulations smoothly without any serious accidents."

Netizens who saw the story responded with comments such as, "That is an act of murder," "There don't even seem to be straps securing the cargo; what if it falls?" "Doesn't it get caught at toll gates?" "Such cases should be fined heavily to enforce correction," and "Crossing the center line is a clear violation."

Meanwhile, according to Article 39 of the Road Traffic Act (Methods and Restrictions on Riding or Loading), all vehicle drivers must not operate vehicles carrying passengers or cargo exceeding the safety standards for operation prescribed by Presidential Decree regarding the number of passengers, loading weight, and loading capacity. Overloading is considered one of the causes of damage to road surfaces or road structures and causes traffic pollution due to noise and vibration. Under current law, the load must not exceed 110% of the rated loading capacity.

Looking at this in detail by truck type, the maximum load capacities are ▲1-ton truck (1.1 tons) ▲1.2-ton truck (1.32 tons) ▲3.5-ton truck (3.85 tons) ▲5-ton truck (5.5 tons). The loading length is allowed up to 11% of the cargo bed length, and the loading height limit is 4 meters. If cargo is to be loaded and operated beyond these limits, prior approval from the police chief in charge of the departure area is required, and failure to obtain approval may result in penalties.