August Records Highest Drowsy Driving Fatalities... Fatality Rate Triples

Over the past five years, the highest number of fatalities caused by drowsy driving has been recorded in August.

According to traffic accident statistics from the National Police Agency released on July 30, there were 9,559 drowsy driving accidents and 252 fatalities between 2020 and 2024. Of these, 36 fatalities (14.3%) occurred in August, making it the month with the highest number of deaths.

Drowsy driving is characterized by a higher fatality rate per 100 traffic accidents compared to general accidents. In August, the fatality rate reached 4.13, the highest among all months. This is approximately three times higher than the fatality rate for other types of accidents.

By road type, the fatality rate was 10.81 on expressways, 6.55 on national highways, 4.04 on local roads, and 0.86 on special and metropolitan city roads. The data indicates that the fatality rate increases on roads with higher speed limits.

Among the 34 drivers responsible for fatal drowsy driving accidents, 10 (29.4%) were aged 60 to 69, and 7 (20.6%) were aged 30 to 39. Of these, 11 drivers (32.4%) were elderly drivers aged 65 or older.

An official from the National Police Agency stated, "There are concerns about drowsy driving due to long-distance travel during the vacation season," and added, "Drivers should familiarize themselves in advance with safety guidelines to prevent drowsy driving, such as taking sufficient rest and getting enough sleep."