Increased Traffic During Chuseok Holiday Roads, First '0' Alcohol-Related Accident Deaths

On the second day of the Chuseok holiday, the 19th, vehicles are moving slowly toward Busan on the Gyeongbu Expressway near Jamwon IC in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] During the Chuseok holiday period, there were no fatalities caused by drunk driving for the first time since related statistics have been compiled. This is interpreted as the result of strengthened police crackdowns and cooperation from citizens.

According to the National Police Agency on the 23rd, a total of 1,773 traffic accidents occurred during this Chuseok holiday, a 21.3% decrease compared to last year's Chuseok (2,253 cases). During the same period, there were 26 deaths and 2,330 injuries, decreasing by 23.5% and 36.4%, respectively. In particular, traffic accidents caused by drunk driving were 133 cases, down 43.6% from the previous year, and the number of deaths was recorded as '0'. This is the first time since traffic accident statistics began in 1976. Injuries caused by drunk driving also decreased by 54.7% compared to last year, with 196 cases.

The National Police Agency set the goal of achieving 'zero drunk driving fatalities' and conducted intensive drunk driving crackdowns. Accordingly, during this Chuseok holiday, the police caught 1,724 drunk drivers and 12,007 cases of traffic violations such as signal violations. Considering the COVID-19 situation, a newly developed hybrid detector by the police was also used for drunk driving checks. The new hybrid detector, capable of both contact and non-contact alcohol detection, improved accuracy and convenience by changing the alcohol detection sensor and incorporating an air intake motor.

Although the volume of movement during this Chuseok holiday increased compared to previous years due to expanded COVID-19 vaccinations, overall traffic management was peaceful. Before the Chuseok holiday, the police carried out intensive traffic safety activities. In cooperation with related organizations such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Korea Expressway Corporation, 67 undercover patrol cars, 11 helicopters, and 10 drones were deployed to crack down on traffic violations on major highways. Additionally, focusing on accident-prone areas and other vulnerable traffic spots, a total of 31,227 police officers and 6,717 patrol vehicles and equipment were deployed for comprehensive traffic management.

Traffic accidents during holiday periods have been decreasing every year. According to data submitted by the National Police Agency to Im Ho-seon, a Democratic Party lawmaker and former police officer, traffic accidents during the Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays decreased from 3,983 cases in 2018 to 3,939 in 2019 and 3,622 last year. During the same period, the number of traffic accident casualties also decreased from 7,274 to 7,119 and 6,334. Based on these achievements, the police plan to continue their ongoing traffic safety management policy. A National Police Agency official said, "This result was achieved through active management of accident-prone spots on highways, visible police activities through regular drunk driving crackdowns, and increased awareness among drivers," adding, "We will do our best to maintain the security policy during the Chuseok holiday so that public safety can be protected."