South Korean pedal misapplication prevention initiatives

South Korea has introduced regulatory and local support frameworks to address traffic accidents caused by pedal misapplication. On August 27, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport established new certification standards for devices designed to prevent sudden acceleration. These devices must detect errors when a vehicle is stationary or traveling below 30 km/h, reduce speed by at least 30%, and provide visual and auditory alerts. While the government intends to mandate such technology in all new vehicles by 2029, the current certification allows for the legal installation of these parts on existing vehicles.

Following these national standards, municipal governments have begun implementing subsidy programs specifically targeting elderly drivers. In Dangjin, the city is providing up to 500,000 KRW to residents aged 70 or older for device installation.

Suwon is expanding its local efforts through an ‘AI-powered pedal misoperation prevention device installation support project’. The city is recruiting 45 elderly drivers, aged 65 or older, who have resided in Suwon for at least one year. The program provides full coverage of the 440,000 won installation cost per vehicle for eligible cars with a maximum load capacity of 1.4 tons or less.

The supported devices detect abnormal rapid acceleration during low-speed driving to limit pedal operation and emit warning sounds. To participate, applicants must use a smartphone app to provide driving records for effectiveness analysis; however, this requirement excludes iPhone users from the program. Applications can be submitted online via the ‘Saebit Toktok’ platform or in person at the Suwon City Hall Transportation Policy Division.