Gwangju Police Launch 'Special Traffic Management' During Lunar New Year Holiday

Spot DUI Crackdown and Traffic Volume Diversion in Major Congested Areas

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency (Chief Choi Gwanho) announced on the 20th that it will conduct special traffic management duties until the 27th to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety during the Lunar New Year holiday.

To this end, all available personnel including traffic police, traffic patrol units, and mobile units will be mobilized.

Until the 22nd, when congestion is expected due to Lunar New Year preparations, personnel will be deployed around traditional markets, large marts, and park cemeteries, focusing on nearby intersections and entrances/exits to manage traffic with an emphasis on flow. To establish traffic order, violations that exacerbate congestion will be subject to crackdown and guidance.

From the 23rd, when the main homecoming begins, until the 27th, when the return journey concludes, special traffic management focusing on flow will be implemented around major entrances and exits such as Gwangsan and Seogwangju IC, as well as the bus terminal (U-Square), Songjeong Station, and park cemeteries.

To eradicate drunk driving and prevent traffic accidents, the Gwangju police will conduct sobriety checkpoints during the Lunar New Year holiday as usual.

Last year, traffic accidents and the number of injuries in the Gwangju area slightly increased compared to the previous year, but traffic accident fatalities decreased significantly by 33.3%, marking a great achievement. However, the number of deaths caused by drunk driving increased by one.

Accordingly, to raise awareness that drunk driving is a serious crime and reflect public condemnation of drunk driving, spot sobriety checkpoints will be conducted indiscriminately by time and place during the Lunar New Year holiday through a dense enforcement network.

A Gwangju police official said, “If you have had a drink, never get behind the wheel and use designated drivers or public transportation,” adding, “We hope Gwangju citizens recognize that drunk driving is a serious crime that can take away others’ property and precious lives, and have a safe and enjoyable holiday free from drunk driving accidents.”

He continued, “The fatality rate is four times higher when seat belts are not worn compared to when they are,” emphasizing, “Wearing seat belts in all seats is not optional but essential to protect your and your family’s lives, and we ask for considerate and yielding driving.”