Significant Decrease in Holiday Traffic Accidents Over the Past 5 Years...42% Drop in Fatalities

Im Ho-seon Lawmaker "Safety Measures for Return Trip Must Be Checked"

Im Ho-seon, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Traffic accidents during holidays have decreased by 17%, and fatalities have dropped by about 42% over the past five years.

According to data received by Lim Ho-seon, a member of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, from the National Police Agency on the 17th, traffic accidents during last year's Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays totaled 3,622 cases, a 17.2% decrease compared to 4,372 cases in 2016. Fatalities from traffic accidents also decreased by 42.4%, from 92 to 53 during the same period.

By region, Seoul saw a decrease from 691 to 515 cases, down by 176 cases (25.5%), and Gyeonggi Province decreased from 954 to 841 cases, down by 113 cases (11.8%). However, Chungnam increased from 169 to 194 cases, Sejong from 5 to 14 cases, and Jeonnam from 198 to 207 cases.

Over the past five years, the region with the most holiday traffic accidents was Gyeonggi Province (4,896 cases), followed by Seoul with 3,317 cases, and Gyeongbuk with 1,595 cases. Regarding fatalities, Gyeonggi had 66, Gyeongnam 44, and Gyeongbuk 40.

Assemblyman Lim estimated that the decrease in holiday travelers after COVID-19 led to a reduction in traffic accidents during holiday periods. However, the Korea Transport Institute estimates that this year's Chuseok holiday travelers will reach 32.26 million, more than 60% higher than last Lunar New Year, so special caution is needed to prevent traffic accidents on the way home.

Assemblyman Lim said, "Public awareness of safe driving has improved, significantly reducing traffic accidents during holiday homecomings," but added, "Since more people are expected to visit their hometowns this Chuseok than usual, related agencies such as the police must thoroughly check safety measures for the return journey."

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