Last Year, 2,521 Traffic Accident Deaths Recorded... Lowest Ever Recorded

by Lim Chunhan

Published 08 Apr.2025 12:00(KST)

Declining Trend for 12 Consecutive Years

Last year, the number of traffic accident fatalities reached a record low of 2,521. This represents an 81.2% decrease compared to 1991, the year with the highest number of fatalities in a single year.

Police are conducting DUI and fine enforcement on the highway. Photo by Yonhap News

According to the National Police Agency on the 8th, examining traffic accident fatalities by major categories shows that fatalities from drunk driving accidents dropped to 138, falling below half compared to 2020 after four years. Pedestrian traffic accident fatalities were 920, a 3.8% increase from the previous year. Among them, the proportion of elderly aged 65 and over was 67.0%.

Traffic accident fatalities caused by elderly drivers numbered 761, a 2.1% increase from the previous year. While fatalities on highways increased compared to the previous year, deaths caused by motorcycles and freight vehicles decreased.

By region, the highest increase rates were in Ulsan (13 deaths, 34.2%↑), Seoul (33 deaths, 18.6%↑), and Daegu (10 deaths, 13.7%↑). Conversely, there were significant decreases in Sejong (5 deaths, 41.7%↓) and Gangwon (19 deaths, 13.6%↓).

An official from the National Police Agency stated, “To reduce the traffic accident fatality rate among drivers and vehicle occupants, it is necessary to further establish a culture of wearing seat belts and helmets,” adding, “To lower pedestrian fatalities, we plan to continue improving facilities for pedestrian protection and conducting traffic safety activities.”