After 3 Years Since Social Distancing Lifted, Chuseok Sees Decrease in 112 Emergency Calls and Traffic Accidents

Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Police Agency building. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Jo] During this Chuseok holiday period, the first in three years since the social distancing measures were lifted, both 112 emergency calls and traffic accidents decreased.

The National Police Agency announced on the 12th the results of the "Comprehensive Chuseok Holiday Security Activities" conducted for two weeks from the 29th of last month, before and after the Chuseok holiday. According to the police, compared to last year's Chuseok holiday, the average daily crime reports increased by 2.9%, while the total 112 emergency calls decreased by 0.7%. In particular, reports of child abuse decreased by 13.8% compared to the previous year, and reports of domestic violence increased by only 2.1%.

Voice phishing crimes targeting the holiday season decreased by 7.6% compared to the same period last year. The average daily occurrences dropped from 838 cases last year to 774.8 cases this year. During the Chuseok holiday period, 1,994 cases of malicious violence such as drunken violence were cracked down on, and 40 people were arrested.

Traffic accidents decreased by 28.6%, from an average of 468 cases per day during last year's holiday period to 334 cases this year. Traffic accident fatalities also decreased by 6.5%, from an average of 6.2 deaths per day to 5.8. The police analyzed that despite a significant increase in traffic volume due to the lifting of social distancing, the concentration of available personnel and equipment led to the reduction in accidents and fatalities.

Prior to the Chuseok holiday, the police implemented phased traffic management measures such as allowing parking and stopping in traditional markets. They also strengthened safety patrols at accident-prone areas such as those related to drowsy driving, and deployed 67 unmarked patrol cars and 10 drones to crack down on drunk driving, speeding, and reckless driving. The National Police Agency stated, "We will continue to maintain a peaceful Chuseok holiday security posture and do our best to ensure public safety going forward."