Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Traffic Climate Environment Research Institute Analysis
Drowsy Driving Surges During Lunar New Year Holiday... Accidents at Rest Areas Also Double ↑
[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] An analysis has emerged emphasizing the need for special caution as drowsy driving notably increases during the Seollal holiday. Since road icing accidents are also a concern, it is advised to check weather forecasts and plan travel accordingly.
The Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Traffic Climate Environment Research Institute analyzed Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance’s 2018?2022 Seollal holiday accident database (DB) and found that during the Seollal holiday period, drowsy driving accidents averaged 13.3 cases per day due to long-distance driving, which is a 28% increase compared to the usual 10.4 cases per day. By time of day, 42.8% of drowsy driving accidents occurred between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., indicating that drowsy driving is concentrated during daytime hours.
Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance stated, “In winter, since drivers often use the car heater with windows closed, it is necessary to periodically open windows for ventilation to prevent drowsy driving accidents.” They added, “Excessive drinking or lack of sleep the day before driving increases the likelihood of drowsy driving, so managing one’s physical condition is essential for safe travel.”
During the Seollal holiday, not only long-distance driving but also family travel and road congestion increase the use of rest areas and drowsy driving shelters, leading to a rise in related accidents. According to Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance, accidents related to rest areas and drowsy driving shelters during the holiday period more than doubled from an average of 1.2 cases per day to 2.5 cases per day compared to usual. Among these accidents, 55% occurred within the facilities, and 45% happened on road sections for entering and exiting these facilities.
A Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance official explained, “When using facilities such as rest areas and drowsy driving shelters, drivers should slow down, and pedestrians should be cautious as limited visibility in narrow spaces may prevent drivers from seeing them.” They added, “In congested road sections, the close distance between vehicles increases the risk of contact accidents when changing lanes, so extra caution is needed when changing lanes to enter or exit rest areas and drowsy driving shelters.”
Meanwhile, caution is also necessary for road surface icing accidents during the Seollal holiday. Last year’s Seollal holiday saw heavy snowfall resulting in 344 related accidents. This year, due to winter snow and cold waves, the risk of vehicle skidding accidents remains high, so checking weather forecasts and planning travel accordingly is important. Equipping vehicles with anti-skid devices is also recommended.
Dr. Hyunmyung Jeon of the Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Traffic Climate Environment Research Institute said, “Drowsiness from long-distance driving can suddenly occur without the driver’s awareness, so periodic ventilation and rest at rest areas are necessary to prevent drowsiness.” He added, “Having passengers stay awake and engage in conversation or change music and radio channels without disturbing the driver can also help the driver.”
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