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PLR 22-004 - PMV-4 Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

A 29-year-old Specialist assigned to Camp Humphreys, Korea, died in a PMV-4 mishap 1 November 2021 in Pyeongtaek-Si, Korea, at 2308 local. The Soldier and two family members were traveling in their vehicle when they hit a civilian tow truck driven by a local national. The frontal impact and subsequent fire resulted in major damage to both vehicles and the deaths of the Soldier and his two family members. The local national was injured and taken to a local hospital. Local national emergency medical services and Korea National Police (KNP) arrived on the scene, followed by the military police. Speed was reportedly a contributing factor; however, the involvement of alcohol or drugs is unknown at this time. Due to the vehicle fire, it could not be determined if seat belts were used. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for KNP to release their final report.

Since 2017, the Army has lost an average of 36 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the first PMV-4 fatality of FY22.



Here are few tips for driving in Korea:

South Korea drives on the right side of the road.

Speed limits in South Korea:

-Expressways – Varies from 100-120 km/hr
-Open roads – 80 km/hr
-City – Varies from 60-80 km/hr

Always follow posted speed limits (which can vary from these normal limits) and watch out for speed cameras, especially on motorways.

Priority/right of way – There are no clear rules regarding priority or right of way when approaching an intersection without traffic lights, so approach intersections with caution and assume the other driver wants to go first.

Children – Children under6 years old must use a car seat.

Seat belts – All passengers must wear a seat belt.


Traffic violations in Korea come with high penalties:


Traffic Violations Points System
Drivers accumulate points for traffic violations or traffic accidents. Once a certain number of points have been accumulated, the person's driving license may be canceled or suspended. For example, if a driver accumulates more than 40 penalty points for traffic violations, her/his license may be suspended. Cancellation of the license will occur if the driver has accumulated more than 121 points in one year, 201 points in 2 years or 271 points in 3 years. Refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test, leaving the scene of an accident and driving with a suspended license can result in immediate cancellation of one's driving license.

Point Penalties:
- 10 points: lane-changing violation, no-passing zone violation, engaging in disputes/arguments on the road that interferes with traffic, etc.
- 15 points: signal violation (crossing on a red/amber light), use of cellphone while driving, no-passing violation, exceeding speed limit by 20-40 km/hr, bus-only lane violation, etc.
- 30 points: crossing the center divider line, exceeding speed limit by 40 km/hr, driving on highway shoulder, railroad crossing violation, etc.
- 2-15 points per injury, depending on the seriousness (based on healing/treatment time) of the injury
- 90 points: per death if the victim dies within 72 hours of the accident


Drinking and driving is a serious offense in Korea.

a. Driving while intoxicated (this means a blood alcohol level of over 0.05%) is punishable by imprisonment of up to 2 years and a fine of up to 3 million won.

b. Driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.05-0.35% is punishable by law, and those with over 0.36% are arrested and detained.

c. Anyone who has been caught drinking and driving on three previous occasions is automatically detained, regardless of the degree of intoxication.
d. Penalties:
- Drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.05% to 0.09% will have their license suspended for 100 days.
- Those found with a blood alcohol level of more than 0.10% or more than 0.05% when involved in an accident resulting in loss of life will have their license revoked.
- Drivers who refuse an alcohol level test face cancellation of their license.

 

 

  • 4 November 2021
  • Author: USACRC Editor
  • Number of views: 1145
  • Comments: 0
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