1236 Traffic Accident Deaths in the First Half of This Year... Lowest Ever Recorded

'Decrease in Drunk Driving and Pedestrians, Increase in Two-Wheeled Vehicles'

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The National Police Agency announced on the 25th that the number of traffic accident fatalities in the first half of this year was tentatively counted at 1,236. This is the lowest figure since traffic accident fatality statistics began to be managed in 1970.

According to the National Police Agency, the number of traffic accident fatalities from January to June this year was 1,236, a 5.1% decrease compared to the same period last year. In particular, drunk driving showed the highest reduction rate, decreasing by 36.4% (from 107 to 68) compared to the previous year. Additionally, pedestrian fatalities also decreased by 11.1% compared to the previous year. The National Police Agency explained, "This is interpreted as a result of improvements in the drinking culture that continued late into the night during the COVID-19 pandemic and the promotion of pedestrian-centered traffic policies despite the increase in population movement after the lifting of social distancing."

On the other hand, traffic means using 'two wheels' such as motorcycles (12.7%↑), bicycles (54.3%↑), and personal mobility devices (PM, 83.3%↑) saw a significant increase in fatalities compared to the previous year. Although the increase in motorcycles slowed somewhat in the second quarter as delivery usage decreased after the lifting of social distancing, bicycles and personal mobility devices sharply increased. The National Police Agency urged, "Considering that outdoor activities are expected to increase further and that traffic accident fatalities have tended to rise in the second half of the year over the past five years, special attention to safe driving is necessary for 'two-wheel' users."