South Korea's motorcycle deaths surge due to 'dereliction of duty' by government and firms

South Korea is grappling with a persistent and alarming rate of motorcycle fatalities and injuries, a stark contrast to the declining death toll in car accidents over the past decade. While overall traffic deaths have halved since 2013, the number of motorcycle fatalities has remained stubbornly high, causing the proportion of motorcycle-related deaths in total traffic fatalities to double to nearly 20%.

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The real cause of the tragedy lies in the nation's dysfunctional licensing system, which ignores the principles of mechanical engineering, and the cruel algorithms of delivery platform companies.

The article argues that the root of this crisis lies not solely with some riders' "poor adherence to the law," but primarily with a "dysfunctional" national licensing system and the "cruel algorithms" of delivery platform companies. South Korea's current law permits individuals with a car license to operate motorcycles under 125cc without any additional testing. This practice is virtually unique among developed nations, with most OECD countries, including EU members and Japan, mandating separate, rigorous training and licensing for motorcycle operation, regardless of engine size.

Motorcycles, lacking the protective frame of cars, turn the rider's body into the sole bumper. Unlike cars, which are two-dimensional machines requiring only steering adjustments, motorcycles are three-dimensional vehicles demanding "counter-steering" and subtle weight shifts to navigate. The article likens allowing car drivers to operate motorcycles without specific training to putting an untrained person in a passenger jet cockpit.

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Allowing car drivers to operate motorcycles without training is a clear dereliction of duty, akin to putting an untrained person in a passenger jet cockpit.

Furthermore, delivery platform algorithms are accused of exacerbating the problem. Features like unpredictable delivery assignments and bonus missions are described as "gambling-like interfaces" that stimulate dopamine, leading to "extreme addiction" in riders. The constant display of real-time surge pricing allegedly paralyzes reason and drives a "blind speed competition." This addictive cycle, the article contends, forces riders back into dangerous situations even after severe injuries, while companies profit and offload accident and rehabilitation costs onto the national health insurance system.

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The gambling-like interfaces of delivery platforms stimulate dopamine, leading to extreme addiction in riders and driving a blind speed competition.

To halt this "enormous tragedy," the article proposes two key reforms. First, the government must abolish the current licensing system and implement mandatory practical training for separate motorcycle licenses. Second, platform companies should proactively introduce safety incentive systems, such as prioritizing deliveries or offering higher fees to riders who complete specific training. The piece concludes by emphasizing that these reforms are not just about saving lives but also about preventing the loss of young workers and reducing astronomical medical costs, ultimately presenting a "overwhelmingly positive national fiscal policy."

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Companies profit by preying on the psychological vulnerabilities of young people, while offloading accident and rehabilitation costs onto the national health insurance system.