Intersections Where Half of All Traffic Accidents Occur... What Are the Safe Driving Rules?

Distribution of Safe Driving Materials by Korea Road Traffic Authority and National Police Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The Korea Road Traffic Authority announced on the 31st that it has produced and distributed materials together with the National Police Agency to urge drivers to comply with safety rules when passing through intersections where traffic accidents are likely to occur.

According to the Authority, traffic accidents occurring at intersections accounted for nearly half, 48.1%, of all traffic accidents over the past five years. The proportion of intersection traffic accidents is on the rise, reaching 49.8% of all traffic accidents in 2019 and 2020.

The Authority provided safety rules to prevent intersection traffic accidents, including ▲ obeying traffic signals ▲ no tailgating ▲ slowing down near the right edge of the road when making a right turn ▲ slowing down at intersections without traffic lights. It also introduced flashing traffic signals, which drivers often confuse, and emphasized that a complete stop must be made at red flashing signals.

In addition, among traffic accidents by intersection type, accidents at roundabouts have been steadily increasing. Roundabout accidents, which numbered 1,051 in 2018, increased to 1,367 in 2019 and 1,453 in 2020.

The Authority explained that while roundabouts improve traffic flow by reducing unnecessary signal waiting and induce low-speed entry for higher safety, accidents are likely to occur if drivers do not know the correct way to navigate them. Roundabouts are traveled counterclockwise around a central traffic island, and vehicles already circulating have the right of way, so entering vehicles must slow down and stop temporarily before the yield line. Turn signals should be used to the left when entering and to the right when exiting.

A representative from the Korea Road Traffic Authority said, "Since intersections are where roads from different directions cross, they can lead to serious accidents, so extra caution is required," and added, "We ask drivers to avoid sudden braking and to follow safety rules such as obeying signals and driving slowly."

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