Holiday Traffic Accident Casualties Increase... Drive Carefully on the Return Trip Too
Number of Accidents Decreases, but Casualties Rise
Beware of Drunk Driving and Mobile Phone Use While Driving
As the main return home for the Lunar New Year holiday begins, special caution is required for traffic accidents, especially since many families use cars.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on the 30th, the number of traffic accidents during the holiday period tends to decrease compared to usual, but the number of casualties actually increases. In the past five years up to 2023, fewer traffic accidents occurred during the Lunar New Year holiday than usual.
Particularly concerning are drunk driving traffic accidents. The proportion of casualties from drunk driving traffic accidents during the Lunar New Year holiday was 1.3 times higher than usual. There are 146 casualties per 100 traffic accidents in the past five years, but during the Lunar New Year holiday, it rises to 172, and for drunk driving during the holiday, it reaches 186. The age group with the highest rate of drunk drivers during the Lunar New Year holiday was people in their 20s, accounting for 25.7%.
To prevent traffic accidents during the Lunar New Year holiday, it is advisable to check the vehicle’s condition in advance, including the engine, braking system, tire wear, and air pressure before driving. Also, ensure that all passengers wear seat belts properly, and children should use car seats appropriate for their body size.
If you have consumed even a small amount of alcohol, you should not drive. While driving, maintain a safe distance from the car ahead and refrain from using a mobile phone. If you feel drowsy or tired while driving, take sufficient rest at rest areas or drowsiness shelters.
Hwang Gi-yeon, Director of the Prevention Policy Bureau at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, said, "Since this Lunar New Year holiday period is longer than usual, please pay special attention to traffic accidents and fire safety to have a safe and enjoyable holiday."
Hot Picks Today
Meanwhile, the risk of residential fires increases during the holiday due to cooking and other activities. In the past five years up to 2023, there were a total of 541 residential fires during the Lunar New Year holiday, resulting in 20 deaths and 55 injuries. To prevent fires, it is recommended to tidy up the surroundings before cooking and never leave the stove unattended even for a moment when cooking with fire. Additionally, avoid plugging kitchen electrical appliances into power strips like octopus arms, as this can cause overheating and danger; it is better to use single-type outlets whenever possible.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
