One Week Before Chuseok Holiday, Highest Number of Traffic Accidents Annually

Analysis by National Police Agency and Korea Road Traffic Authority
16.5% Increase in Casualties per Accident During Holidays
"Seatbelt Use in All Seats and Safe Driving Essential"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] An analysis has revealed that the highest number of traffic accidents occur on the day before the Chuseok holiday. The proportion of casualties in the back seat is also increasing, highlighting the need for 'seatbelt use in all seats' to ensure family safety.

On the 16th, the National Police Agency and the Korea Road Traffic Authority analyzed traffic accident statistics during the Chuseok holiday and found that over the past five years, a total of 13,526 traffic accidents occurred during the Chuseok holiday period, resulting in 23,699 casualties.

In particular, last year, 4,846 traffic accidents occurred in the week leading up to the Chuseok holiday, far exceeding the weekly average (4,009 accidents), making it the year with the highest number of traffic accidents. The most vulnerable time for traffic accidents was around 6 p.m. on the day before the holiday, with 27.7% of accidents concentrated at that time.

Furthermore, due to family unit travel, the number of casualties per accident was higher than usual. During the Chuseok holiday period, the number of casualties per accident was 1.8, which is 16.5% higher compared to the usual 1.5. The casualty rate also increased by 1.4 times for children and 1.3 times for back seat passengers, indicating the need for caution regarding the safety of family members traveling together.

The National Police Agency and the Korea Road Traffic Authority stated, "Due to the risk of COVID-19 infection, family unit travel using private cars instead of public transportation is expected to increase," and urged, "We hope for a safe journey home by complying with traffic laws such as wearing seatbelts in all seats and taking regular breaks during long-distance driving."