April Article of the Month

Our April Article of the Month draws on a comprehensive database to explore and analyse the effects of a Safe Rates System in Korea, that being the requirement of minimum rates of pay for truck drivers. The trial which produced the data for the study was relatively short-lived process – occurring between 2020 and 2022 – but one which evidently enhanced the work environment in the Korean road freight transport industry, particularly those elements related to road safety. Drawing on some outstanding economic analysis, the authors show how greater compliance with the system improved pay and the level of market transparency, while it reduced the occurrence of overloading, speeding and drowsiness, which are central risk factors for crashes.