Chuseok Traffic Accidents in Seoul, Highest on the Day Before the Holiday... "All Seats Must Wear Seatbelts"

Accident-Prone Areas Are Gwanghwamun Samgeori and in Front of Ahyeon Elementary School

Traffic Accident Occurrence Status During Chuseok Holidays Over the Past 5 Years (Daily Average). [Data Provided by Seoul Branch of Korea Road Traffic Authority]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The day with the highest number of traffic accidents in Seoul during the Chuseok holiday period is the day before the holiday begins.

On the 16th, the Seoul branch of the Korea Road Traffic Authority analyzed traffic accident statistics in Seoul and found that over the past five years, a total of 2,069 traffic accidents occurred during the Chuseok holiday, resulting in 3,189 casualties.

By day, the day before the holiday starts recorded the highest average daily number of accidents at 133. In particular, 24.4% of traffic accidents were concentrated around 6 p.m., when returning vehicles are most congested. Other days followed in order with 96 accidents on the first day of the holiday, 73 on the third day, and 70 on the fourth day.

The casualty rate during the Chuseok holiday increased by about 1.5 times for children and 1.2 times for rear-seat passengers compared to usual. Especially, the rear-seat seatbelt usage rate was only 48.9%, highlighting the need for seatbelt use in all seats.

Additionally, over the past three years, two locations in Seoul with three or more traffic accidents during the Chuseok holiday were identified as Gwanghwamun Samgeori and in front of Ahyeon Elementary School.

Kim Yong-ho, head of the Seoul Regional Headquarters of the Authority, urged, "Since family travel increases during the Chuseok holiday period, it is important to comply with seatbelt use in all seats. Also, as traffic patterns in Seoul differ from usual during this time, drivers should remain calm and practice defensive and courteous driving to prevent accidents."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.