58% Increase in Car Accident Victims on Lunar New Year Day... "Be Aware of Vehicle Inspection and Insurance Support"

Sharp Increase in Major Traffic Accidents During Lunar New Year Holiday... Rise in Drunk Driving and Unlicensed Victims
Non-Life Insurance Companies Strengthen Response Systems... Must Be Actively Utilized

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] As automobile insurance personal injury accidents increase during the Lunar New Year holiday period, experts advise checking vehicles in advance and understanding how to utilize insurance.

On the 21st, the Korea Insurance Development Institute and the General Insurance Association analyzed 37,667 automobile insurance personal injury accidents during the Lunar New Year holidays (3 statutory holidays) over the past three years. They found that on Lunar New Year’s Day, the number of victims per accident was 2.3, a 58.1% increase compared to the usual 1.5. The number of personal injury accident victims was 4,970, the second highest after the day before the holiday (5,732), and more than 10% higher than usual.

In particular, victims were concentrated between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when outbound and return traffic increases. Since 59.1% of daily accidents occur during this time, it is pointed out that preventing drowsy driving and maintaining a safe distance are necessary.

Victims of drunk driving and unlicensed driving accidents also surged before and after the Lunar New Year holidays. The day before the holiday averaged 46 victims, a 25.1% increase compared to usual. The day after Lunar New Year and the day after the holiday also saw increases of 11.6% and 16.1%, respectively, compared to normal days.

Due to amendments to the Automobile Damage Compensation Guarantee Act, in cases of drunk driving, drug or substance use, unlicensed driving, or hit-and-run accidents, compulsory insurance covers the full compensation limit, but voluntary insurance requires the insured to bear KRW 100 million for personal injury and KRW 50 million for property damage. Therefore, it is essential to comply with traffic laws.

Meanwhile, the general insurance industry has organized and is operating a special emergency response system, including emergency dispatch services and free vehicle inspection services, to prepare for various emergencies that may occur during the Lunar New Year holiday period.

First, in response to the special safety measures for the Lunar New Year holiday discussed at the government-party council, the response system has been strengthened by expanding support personnel to respond quickly to vehicle breakdowns and traffic accidents. Additionally, each insurance company has established a 24-hour emergency dispatch system and enhanced on-site dispatch services to quickly handle unexpected vehicle breakdowns such as tire punctures and battery failures. Furthermore, since customer services such as free vehicle inspections are also provided, it is necessary to be aware of these services.

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