25% of Hiking Accidents Occur in Spring, Steadily Increasing Until May 'Caution'... Slips and Falls Account for 34%
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has recently urged the public to exercise extra caution to prevent hiking accidents as more people are heading to the mountains due to the warmer weather. March is a time when even those who do not usually hike climb mountains to enjoy the spring atmosphere, increasing the risk of hiking accidents.
According to the Ministry on the 11th, out of a total of 34,671 hiking accidents that occurred between 2015 and 2019, 8,513 cases, or 24.6%, happened in spring, with the number of incidents steadily rising from March through May.
The main cause of accidents is slips and falls caused by misstepping, accounting for 33.7%. This is followed by getting lost (19.8%), failure to follow safety rules (17.0%), and personal health issues (11.1%) as major causes.
Accordingly, the Ministry advised being careful of the ground, as there may still be partially melted ice in high-altitude areas, shaded spots, and under fallen leaves. Especially on rocky terrain or stone paths, dew or moisture can make surfaces more slippery, so extra caution is necessary. During periods of large temperature differences between morning and evening, hikers should also pay attention to keeping warm.
Additionally, in early spring, as the frozen ground thaws, falling rocks are more likely to occur. Therefore, it is recommended to detour around areas marked with falling rock warning signs. Hiking should begin with light warm-ups, and a steady pace that does not strain the body should be maintained until descending.
Hot Picks Today
Taking Annual Leave and Adding "Strike" to Profiles, "It Feels Like Samsung Has Collapsed"... Unsettled Internal Atmosphere
- There Is a Distinct Age When Physical Abilities Decline Rapidly... From What Age Do Strength and Endurance Drop?
- Suspended Sentence for Jung Yura on Fraud and Defamation Charges... Both Sides Appeal
- "After Vowing to Become No. 1 Globally, Sudden Policy Brake Puts Companies’ Massive Investments at Risk"
- On Teacher's Day, a Student's Gifted Cake Had to Be Cut into 32 Pieces... Why?
Kim Jong-han, Director of the Prevention and Safety Policy Division at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, said, “As we enter the warm spring season, many people are going to the mountains, but due to partially melted ice and frost, slips causing fractures or sprains are likely to occur, so extra caution is necessary.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
