HTC engineer Kang Jicheng accidentally fell into a valley while climbing Nanhua Mountain alone. To rescue him, including the Fire Department and civilian rescue teams, hundreds of personnel and a helicopter were deployed, with nearly two million New Taiwan Dollars in social costs incurred. The rescue was ultimately successful, though harrowing. Similar mountain accidents are actually quite common in Taiwan.
Mountain climbing is a healthy sport, but it is also a highly risky activity. It not only tests a climber’s physical strength, endurance, and willpower, but is also prone to life-threatening dangers due to sudden weather changes. Once an accident or hazard occurs, the human and material social costs involved are not only substantial but also staggering – truly beyond what the average person can bear.
This reminds me that when someone is hit by a gravel truck, the outcome is almost always fatal. Yet, after tragically losing her son, Mother Ko channeled her grief into action. Through relentless efforts and persistent advocacy, the Legislative Yuan finally passed mandatory auto and motorcycle insurance, providing basic protection for drivers and passengers. Therefore, the Legislative Yuan should also establish “mandatory mountain climbing insurance” for similarly high-risk activities. In the event of an accident, aside from medical and death benefits, it could also cover the human and material social costs of rescue operations. This would provide greater security for those engaging in dangerous activities and help avoid negative public perception.