Korea Expressway Corporation to Intensify Traffic Violation Crackdown with Police Agency from 12th
Enhanced Traffic Accident Prevention Activities Including Alarm Patrols to Prevent Drowsy Driving
[Asia Economy Reporter Jo Gang-wook] Korea Expressway Corporation announced on the 10th that from the 12th to the 30th of this month, it will conduct joint crackdowns with the National Police Agency and the Korea Transportation Safety Authority on vehicles violating traffic laws to reduce highway traffic accident fatalities, which have increased by more than 28% compared to the same period last year.
According to Korea Expressway Corporation, the number of highway traffic accident fatalities from January to March this year was 54, an increase of 12 compared to the same period last year. Drowsiness, inattentiveness, and speeding are the main causes of death, and the failure of occupants to wear seat belts has resulted in greater casualties.
In particular, deaths caused by speeding such as overtaking on rainy roads increased by 8 compared to the previous year, more than doubling compared to the past five years. The average number of speeding-related deaths from January to March over the past five years (2016?2020) was 5.4 per year.
Accordingly, Korea Expressway Corporation and the National Police Agency will use six drones and twelve unmarked patrol cars to crack down on vehicles violating laws such as speeding, reckless driving, designated lane violations, and failure to wear seat belts, focusing on locations where fatal accidents occurred this year. Together with the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, they will also crack down on illegal modifications, poor maintenance, and overloading of cargo trucks at major rest areas.
Additionally, safety patrol cars and police patrol cars will be stationed at police emergency parking lots to raise drivers' awareness, and alarm patrols using sirens will be conducted during vulnerable times to prevent drowsy driving.
Korea Expressway Corporation plans to establish a cooperative system with the National Police Agency and the Korea Transportation Safety Authority for traffic accident prevention by selecting and operating focused crackdown weeks after May based on the crackdown results.
A representative of Korea Expressway Corporation stated, “Since accidents caused by drowsiness can lead to fatal accidents, drivers must take a rest at rest areas or drowsy driving shelters when feeling sleepy. Before departure, wear a seat belt, and during driving, ventilate the vehicle and take breaks every two hours. Active participation by drivers is crucial for preventing traffic accidents.”
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