Hwang So-je, Gwangju City Council Member, Urges "Pothole Safety Management and Electric Vehicle Fire Prevention Measures"

Hwang So-je, a member of the Gwangju City Council, urged the establishment of preventive measures against potholes and fire accidents related to the supply of eco-friendly electric vehicles during a 10-minute free speech before the 2nd plenary session of the 312th extraordinary meeting on the 21st.

Hwang So-je, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea in the Gwangju City Council, Gyeonggi Province, urged the establishment of fundamental measures regarding potholes caused by summer monsoon, spring thaw, and winter snow removal operations, as well as fire prevention measures related to the spread of eco-friendly electric vehicles, during a 10-minute free speech before the 2nd plenary session of the 312th extraordinary meeting on the 21st.

Councilor Hwang stated, “Due to rapid climate change, the number of potholes nationwide is rapidly increasing. The main causes of potholes, which cause damage, are asphalt cracks caused by repeated freezing and thawing of moisture under winter road pavement and the infiltration of calcium chloride and salt from snow removal operations, which gradually enlarge fine cracks.” He added, “If the size of the pothole is large, it can cause accidents, and if not repaired promptly, secondary damage may occur.”

He continued, “Some local governments have promoted the introduction of high-strength pavement on bus-only lanes vulnerable to damage, and advanced road management countries such as the United States are attempting to introduce various pavement material technologies, such as developing performance-based mix design methods. Also, Seoul and some local governments have introduced AI-based automatic video detection systems to quickly repair and maintain wide areas, and it is necessary to build data on potholes that tend to recur due to road pavement conditions, traffic situations, and ground form.” He urged, “Please promote pothole reduction measures in response to the continuous increase in population and vehicle traffic volume.”

Councilor Hwang also mentioned fires at electric vehicle charging facilities. He said, “The main cause of electric vehicle fires is thermal runaway of lithium-ion battery cells due to rapid temperature rise or overcharging. Many of the currently installed electric vehicle-only parking spaces are located underground, where smoke and heat discharge are difficult and ceiling heights are low, making it difficult for fire trucks to enter, resulting in greater damage than general fires.”

He added, “In the case of apartment complexes in Gwangju City, more than 969 electric vehicle chargers are installed in underground parking lots, but there are difficulties such as changes in use and permits for relocating charging facilities, and citizens’ anxiety and complaints about safety are being raised.” He concluded his 10-minute free speech by expressing his opinion, “Please explore whether support is possible for citizens’ safety, what countermeasures are planned, and ways to strengthen safety management of parking facilities.”