Driver fined for fatal highway collision after dispute

A 20-year-old driver has been fined 15 million won for causing a fatal accident on an expressway. The driver, identified as A, was found guilty of violating the Traffic Accident Treatment Special Law by causing death.

The incident occurred on October 19, 2024, when A was driving on the Iksan-Jangsu Expressway in Wanju County, North Jeolla Province. A failed to notice a cargo truck stopped on the shoulder of the road and collided with it, resulting in the death of the 67-year-old truck driver, identified as B.

Prior to the accident, the truck driver, B, had been involved in a dispute with the driver of a passenger car following him. The dispute arose because B's truck was not traveling fast enough in the first lane. The two drivers exchanged gestures, honked their horns, and eventually pulled over to the shoulder, where a physical altercation ensued. As B was attempting to re-enter his truck after the fight, A's vehicle struck the truck, fatally injuring B.

The court acknowledged the severe outcome of the accident, stating, "A grave result occurred in this accident, causing the death of the victim." However, the court also took into account that the defendant had reached a settlement with the victim's family and expressed remorse. These factors, along with the circumstances and degree of negligence, were considered in determining the sentence.

Separately, the driver of the passenger car involved in the initial dispute with B was also prosecuted for assault and received a fine of 2 million won.