"Driving with Lives at Stake" Sparks Outrage over Bus Driver Video
Company States, "Clear Wrongdoing, Immediate Resignation Processed"
Controversy has arisen after a bus driver was caught not only using a mobile phone while driving, but also taking photos and sending text messages.
On July 10, JTBC's 'Case Officer' aired a video filmed by informant A, who witnessed the incident on an airport bus. Inside the moving airport bus, the driver was seen holding a mobile phone in one hand and looking at something on the screen.
The bus driver who took the photo and even sent a text message. Screenshot from JTBC 'Case Officer' Photo by JTBC
In the video, the driver was not merely looking at the phone, but also typing with both hands to send text messages and even taking photos of the scenery outside the vehicle. According to A, the driver uploaded the photos online and changed lanes while still holding the phone.
Feeling the gravity of the situation, A reported the video to the bus company. The company stated, "The driver's wrongdoing was clear, so we immediately processed his resignation," and added, "We will strengthen related training to prevent such incidents from happening again."
The bus driver who took the photo and even sent a text message. Screenshot from JTBC 'Case Officer' Photo by JTBC
After the video was released, online commenters criticized the incident, saying, "Processing the resignation was absolutely the right decision. He should not be allowed to drive anywhere else," "The driver has no regard for the passengers' lives," and "This is gambling with people's lives."
Meanwhile, according to the current Passenger Transport Service Act, it is a legal violation for bus or taxi drivers to watch videos or operate devices (including mobile phones carried by the driver) to receive or play broadcasts or videos while driving. Offenders may be fined up to 5 million won.
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