Turning on Headlights · Driving Slowly · Keeping Large Vehicles at a Distance... Safety Driving Tips During Typhoons

Automobile Citizens' Alliance Safe Driving Law

Typhoon Khanun, the 6th typhoon expected to pass through the Korean Peninsula, is moving north toward the Seoul metropolitan area, requiring drivers to exercise extra caution. During typhoons, braking distances become unstable due to wind pressure, making accident prediction particularly difficult.

Follow Safe Driving Rules During Typhoons... Vehicle Pre-Maintenance Also Necessary

During Typhoon Chanthu in 2021, the road on Hanbuk-ro in Jeju City was submerged in water. [Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the Automobile Citizens' Coalition on the 10th, typhoons are among the most dangerous factors in driving. During the period of Typhoon Maysak (August 28 to September 3, 2020), which caused significant damage in Korea, the number of fatalities per 100 traffic accidents reached 1.91. This is higher than the 1.47 fatalities per 100 accidents recorded throughout 2020.

During Typhoon Chiba (September 28 to October 6, 2016), the fatality rate per 100 traffic accidents was 2.46, significantly higher than the 1.94 recorded for the entire year of 2016. Over the past five years, the fatality rate for traffic accidents on highways during heavy rain has been about four times higher than average.

Therefore, the Automobile Citizens' Coalition recommends, "During typhoons, maintain a distance at least twice as long as usual from the vehicle ahead, and avoid sudden braking, rapid acceleration, and aggressive steering." They added, "It is also advisable to turn on headlights during the day in advance and actively use hazard lights for the vehicles behind."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

When passing through areas affected by typhoons, visibility is limited and road friction decreases by about 40% due to rainwater, increasing the risk of skidding. Therefore, avoid driving in the first lane, which is the overtaking lane.

Tires worn down to the wear limit line (1.4mm) have reduced water drainage capability, causing braking distances to increase by 1.8 times compared to normal. Thus, it is necessary to check proper tire pressure and wear condition.

Additionally, breakdowns or accidents on the road during a typhoon can lead to fatal secondary accidents, so the Automobile Citizens' Coalition urges pre-maintenance of vehicles.

Avoid Bridges with Strong Crosswinds, Low-Lying Areas, and Commercial Districts

Bridge cable inspection. [Image source=Yonhap News]

During typhoons, crosswinds and wind pressure weaken tire grip depending on driving speed, increasing the risk of traffic accidents caused by lane departure or crossing the center line.

Avoid bridges with strong crosswinds, areas prone to tsunamis, tunnels with risks such as falling rocks, mountain cut slopes, riverbanks, and coastal roads by checking control zones and taking detours whenever possible.

Also, follow safety driving instructions based on wind speed and deceleration guidance displayed on wind warning signs and electronic boards.

Near bridges and tunnels, vehicles may suddenly sway due to crosswinds, so it is safer to drive with both hands on the wheel and reduce speed while passing through.

Since typhoons bring not only heavy rain but also strong winds, avoid parking near collapsing walls, densely packed commercial signboards, large trees, or illegally parked vehicles to prepare for falling objects and flooding, and use safe parking areas.

Passenger Cars Should Follow Designated Lanes; Electric Vehicles Should Be Careful of Moisture and Impact During Heavy Rain

A truck overturned on a highway in Guam, a Pacific island hit hard by Super Typhoon Mawar.
[Photo by AP·Yonhap News]

It is a dangerous misconception to think that driving behind large vehicles as a wind shield is safe.

Large vehicles pose increased risks during typhoons and heavy rain due to overloading or falling debris. At a speed of 120 km/h, passenger cars are known to deviate about 1.2 meters from their driving path, while buses deviate about 6.5 meters in typhoon winds of 35 m/s.

Passenger cars should avoid close proximity to large vehicles and use their designated driving lanes.

Electric vehicles have moisture detection sensors with waterproof functions that automatically cut power to prevent electric shock, but the orange wiring in the engine compartment is a high-voltage line and dangerous. When the weather improves, it is advisable to open the engine compartment to allow natural drying and remove moisture.

Repeated severe impacts from potholes or speed bumps caused by concentrated heavy rain during the monsoon season can damage the high-mounted battery and casing under electric vehicles.

Regular passenger cars are also at risk of tire punctures or vehicle damage when hitting potholes, as damage can occur not only to tires and wheels but also to the suspension, so caution is necessary.

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