The Lowest Number of Traffic Accident Deaths in Gwangju Since 1977

Last year, the number of traffic accident fatalities in the Gwangju area decreased by about 17% compared to 2022, marking the lowest figure since statistics began to be compiled.

According to the Gwangju Police Agency and the Gwangju Metropolitan Autonomous Police Committee on the 9th, the number of traffic accident fatalities in 2023 was recorded at 47, a decrease of 10 people (17.5%) compared to 2022, marking the lowest number since traffic accident fatality statistics began to be managed in 1977.

In 2023, although factors increasing accidents such as increased population movement occurred following the lifting of social distancing measures that had been in place for the past three years, officials explained that the downward trend in fatal accidents continued.

In particular, pedestrian fatalities decreased by 36.0% (from 25 to 16) compared to the previous year, more than double the overall fatality reduction rate, and pedestrian fatalities among those aged 65 and older also decreased by 6 people (37.5%), showing a higher reduction rate than the overall traffic accident fatalities.

This is interpreted as the result of continuous promotion of pedestrian-centered traffic policies through cooperation between the Gwangju Police Agency and Gwangju City Hall, as well as the maturation of traffic culture among Gwangju citizens, despite the increase in population movement.

A representative of the Gwangju Police Agency stated, "Citizen interest and participation are most important to reduce traffic accident fatalities," and urged, "Please actively participate in establishing a traffic culture that prioritizes pedestrians in the new year as well."