'Social Distancing Lifted' Police Say "Drive Safely During Spring Outing Season"

by Cho Seongpill

Published 24 Apr.2022 09:01(KST)

Focused Crackdown on Illegal Activities Such as Speeding and Reckless Driving

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Jo] The National Police Agency has urged voluntary compliance with traffic safety rules on the 24th, anticipating an increase in highway traffic volume following the lifting of social distancing measures.

The National Police Agency stated, "We plan to actively respond to chronic reckless driving behaviors such as cutting in and speeding." The police intend to concentrate undercover patrol cars and drones on highway sections with heavy traffic and frequent accidents, especially those connected to major tourist and recreational areas. In this process, vehicle-mounted traffic enforcement equipment capable of speed enforcement anywhere on the highway will also be actively utilized. Video enforcement using camcorders will be conducted simultaneously to collect evidence of traffic violations and identify and penalize drivers afterward.

This measure comes in response to the expected surge in weekend leisure vehicle traffic and a corresponding increase in traffic accidents following the lifting of social distancing. According to traffic volume data provided by the Korea Expressway Corporation, the average daily weekend highway traffic volume from January to March this year was around 4 million vehicles. However, with increased regional travel demand in April during the spring season, the average weekend highway traffic volume rose to 4.84 million vehicles, a 26.6% increase compared to the previous month. The police expect this upward trend in traffic volume to accelerate further due to the lifting of social distancing.

A National Police Agency official said, "We ask for adherence to basic safety rules such as vehicle inspections, wearing seat belts in all seats, and prohibition of drunk driving to ensure a safe trip," adding, "With the warmer spring weather potentially causing drowsy driving, we emphasize 'safe driving to protect yourself and your family' by taking breaks at rest areas or drowsiness shelters as needed."