"Traffic Accident Fatality Rate 30% Higher Than Usual During Typhoon Impact Period"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The Korea Road Traffic Authority urged safe driving on the 2nd, stating that the fatality rate of traffic accidents during typhoon periods is about 30% higher than usual.

According to the Authority, among the typhoons that caused significant damage in South Korea, the traffic accident fatality rate (number of deaths per 100 traffic accidents) during the 2020 typhoon 'Maysak' was 1.91. During the 2016 typhoon 'Chaba', it was 2.46. The Authority explained that these figures are 29.9% and 26.8% higher, respectively, compared to the overall fatality rates of those years (1.47 in 2020 and 1.94 in 2016).

The Authority emphasized the need to pay special attention to safe driving during typhoons and other severe weather conditions and to familiarize oneself with various response guidelines. They urged drivers to maintain a distance at least twice as long as usual from the vehicle ahead, avoid sudden braking or sharp steering, and drive slowly. Additionally, the Authority warned that if tires are submerged more than two-thirds in water in flooded areas, water can enter the engine and cause the engine to stall.

Seonchiseong, Head of the Traffic Accident Analysis Division at the Authority, said, "Since typhoon periods involve not only heavy rain but also strong winds, extra caution is required compared to normal times," and added, "During August and September, when typhoons frequently occur, please carefully check the weather and drive safely."

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