The National Police Agency urged special caution for traffic accidents as the possibility of drowsy driving increases with the rise in outing vehicles.
According to traffic accident statistics from the National Police Agency on the 3rd, over the past five years (2019?2023), there were a total of 10,765 traffic accidents caused by drowsy driving, averaging 5.9 cases per day. Among the days of the week, Saturday had the highest number with an average of 6.8 cases per day.
During the same period, there were 316 deaths caused by drowsy driving, approximately 2.9 deaths per 100 accidents, which is about twice the number of deaths from drunk driving accidents (1.5 deaths) in the same period. In particular, on highways, the number of deaths per 100 drowsy driving accidents was 8.3, which was higher compared to general national roads, provincial roads, and county roads in terms of deaths relative to the number of accidents.
By vehicle type, drowsy driving accidents per 100,000 vehicles were highest in special vehicles (13.6 cases), followed by vans (11.2 cases), trucks (10.6 cases), and passenger cars (7.8 cases). Vehicles used for work purposes were found to be more vulnerable to drowsy driving.
When comparing nighttime (6 PM to 6 AM the next day) and daytime (6 AM to 6 PM) periods, the number of accidents did not differ significantly, but the number of deaths during the daytime was 201, about 1.75 times higher than at night (115 deaths).
Drowsy driving can result from decreased concentration due to lack of sleep or long hours of driving, but it is also influenced by the air quality inside the vehicle. Increased carbon dioxide levels inside the vehicle can cause headaches and drowsiness, so the risk of accidents increases when there are many passengers or insufficient ventilation.
To prevent drowsy driving, it is important to get enough sleep regularly. If it is difficult to resist drowsiness while driving, it is advisable to rest at rest areas or drowsy driving shelters. Even while driving, opening windows or using ventilation systems to reduce carbon dioxide levels inside the vehicle is necessary. For long drives, it is important to allow enough time before departure and take sufficient breaks before and during driving.
The National Police Agency plans to cooperate with road management authorities such as the Korea Expressway Corporation to expand facilities such as rumble strips and safety signs, focusing on areas vulnerable to drowsy driving, including long straight sections of highways and habitual congestion zones. They will also raise awareness through patrol car base duty during vulnerable times, accident prevention alarm patrols using sirens, and continue promotional activities using traffic broadcasts, electronic signboards, and campaigns.
A National Police Agency official said, “Long-distance driving in the warm spring season can induce drowsiness in drivers, and this risk should not be overlooked,” adding, “Drivers of commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses that operate for long hours should also prevent accidents by taking sufficient rest.”
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