Increased Traffic Despite COVID-19 Situation... "Take a Break If You Feel Sleepy"

Police to Implement 'Spring Traffic Safety Measures' Until the End of May

Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The National Police Agency announced on the 5th that it will implement the 'Spring Traffic Safety Measures' from the 6th of this month to the 31st of next month, considering the seasonal characteristics of increased traffic volume from outing travelers and the heightened risk of drowsy driving.

According to the police, highway traffic volume, which had slowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is gradually increasing as the weather warms. The average daily highway traffic volume in the first week of March was 3,722,000 vehicles, rising to 4,054,000 vehicles by the fourth week of March. Meanwhile, data from the past five years shows that traffic accident fatalities caused by drowsy driving increase from April and peak in May, accounting for the highest 11.9% of cases.

Considering these seasonal characteristics, the police plan to improve facilities at drowsy driving vulnerable points, promote prevention campaigns, and crack down on violations of compliance obligations such as rest time for commercial vehicles. First, they will inspect 57 locations where major traffic accidents occurred last year and frequent accident spots over the past three years to reinforce safety facilities. Preventive facilities such as grooving, textured pavement, and protruding lanes will be expanded in drowsy driving vulnerable sections.

To prevent drowsy driving, collaboration with related organizations such as Korea Expressway Corporation will be strengthened. Banners will be installed at highway rest areas and drowsy driving shelters, and safety driving rules including sufficient rest will be promoted using electronic display boards. Preventive patrols using patrol car warning lights and sirens will be conducted in drowsy driving vulnerable sections such as long straight highway sections during afternoon and late-night hours.

Investigations into the management and supervision duties of commercial passenger and freight transport companies, which have a high incidence of major accidents, will also be intensified. If a major accident occurs, and a causal relationship between the traffic accident and violations is revealed based on data such as the Digital Tachograph (DTG), the responsible manager will also be criminally charged as an accomplice.

The police urged adherence to basic preventive measures such as sufficient sleep and ventilation while driving to prevent drowsy driving. A National Police Agency official emphasized, "The best way to prevent drowsy driving during long-distance driving is to frequently stop at drowsy driving shelters or rest areas for simple stretching or sleep."