Traffic Fatality Rate Increases by 37.5% During Rain... Braking Distance Also Significantly Extended

Traffic Accident Occurrence Status on Rainy Roads in the Past 3 Years (2017~2019) (Provided by Korea Transportation Safety Authority)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] It has been found that the fatality rate from traffic accidents on rainy days is 37.5% higher compared to clear days.

The Korea Transportation Safety Authority announced on the 5th that when comparing the fatality rates of traffic accidents on rainy days and clear days, the number of deaths per 100 traffic accidents was 1.6 on clear days, whereas it was 2.2 on rainy days, indicating that "the risk of fatal accidents on wet roads is 37.5% higher."

This year, due to the ongoing monsoon and heavy rains, damage caused by rain is increasing nationwide. Meanwhile, Typhoon Hagupit, the 4th typhoon, is affecting the region, and heavy rain is forecasted in the central region until today.

Experimental results showed that friction between tires and the road surface decreases on wet roads, resulting in longer braking distances compared to dry roads. In particular, the faster the vehicle speed and the more worn the tires are, the longer the braking distance becomes. According to the 2017 braking distance experiment by the Transportation Safety Authority, the average braking distance while driving on wet roads increased by 1.8 times compared to clear days. Especially at high speeds over 100 km/h, worn tires showed braking distances up to 1.5 times longer than new tires.

Braking Distance Test Results by Vehicle Model (Provided by Korea Transportation Safety Authority)

The Transportation Safety Authority stated, "To prevent traffic accidents on wet roads, it is necessary to maintain a wider safety distance between vehicles than usual and reduce speed by more than 20% of the maximum speed," adding, "In cases of heavy rain, heavy snow, or fog where visibility is within 100 meters, speed should be reduced by more than 50% of the maximum speed, and sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead must be maintained."

They also urged pedestrians to comply with traffic safety rules. For accident prevention, it is explained that when going out, pedestrians should wear bright clothing, refrain from using mobile phones while walking, and exercise special caution by checking for vehicles when crossing roads.

Kwon Byung-yoon, Director of the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, requested, "Considering pedestrians whose vision may be obscured by umbrellas due to strong rain and wind, drivers should make extra efforts to pay attention to the front and reduce their speed by more than 50% of the maximum speed to thoroughly prevent traffic accidents."