Translation result.
A car plunged onto a riverbank after crossing a road moments after its buyer picked up a new vehicle outside a dealership in Suseong District, Daegu, South Korea. The buyer appeared to be receiving instructions and was unfamiliar with the car’s controls, prompting renewed concerns about safety checks during new-car handovers.
At about 11:37 a.m. on the 12th, a passenger car that had been stopped in front of a dealership in Jisan-dong, Suseong District, Daegu, crossed a four-lane one-way road and rolled down to a riverbank roughly 3 meters below.
Yonhap reported that three people suffered minor injuries, including the driver, a woman in her 70s identified only as A. Two of the injured were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Police say A caused the accident while a dealership employee was explaining how to operate the vehicle after she took delivery. Authorities are still investigating the exact cause and circumstances.
The crash underscores the risk immediately after taking delivery of a new car, when drivers may not yet be familiar with its systems. Many recent models use electronic gear selectors, push-button ignitions, electronic parking brakes and advanced driver-assistance features that operate differently from older vehicles. If a car’s layout differs from what a driver expects, a momentary confusion or control error can lead to an accident.
When picking up a new car, drivers should confirm basic controls before driving off. Verify the gear-shift method, the brake’s location and feel, whether the parking brake is engaged, the ignition status, the auto-hold function and the forward/reverse indicators before departure.
Dealerships and delivery staff should also manage demonstrations and vehicle status more carefully. Conduct explanations on level ground in a safe, open area when possible. Confirm that the driver is holding the brake, that the gear is in Park, and that no pedestrians or other vehicles are nearby. As a basic rule, do not leave the vehicle in a condition where it could move during the demonstration.
Drivers should avoid accidentally pressing pedals or shifting gears while seated in a running car during the demonstration. If you feel unsure, do not drive off; ask staff to repeat the instructions or re-check functions while the vehicle remains parked.
Older drivers may need more time to adapt to a new vehicle’s electronic control systems. When taking delivery, consider bringing a family member or friend to review the controls together and practice in a quiet area before entering busy roads or steep grades.
Police are continuing their investigation. Although the crash did not cause major injuries, it shows how a brief lapse in control right after taking delivery can escalate into a serious accident. Safety checks before the first drive are as important as the contract and handover procedures.
Most Commented