"Drive Carefully on Icy Roads" Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters Designates 379 Icy Vulnerable Road Sections

As the cold wave has begun in earnest, the Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters has designated 379 icy vulnerable road sections in the province for the winter season and urged drivers to drive safely.

According to the provincial fire headquarters, out of a total of 633.41 kilometers spanning 379 icy vulnerable sections in the province, 343 traffic accidents occurred in 110 sections over the past five years.

These accidents resulted in 42 people sustaining serious injuries, with a total of 210 people either killed or injured.

By region, Gimhae City recorded the highest number of casualties, with 165 incidents occurring in 27 sections. This was followed by Jinju City with 35 cases in 8 sections, and Hapcheon County with 13 sections.

The fire headquarters analyzed that these areas are representative high-risk zones with a high likelihood of icing, such as roads adjacent to rivers, shaded curves, and bridges.

Status of freezing-vulnerable sections (blue lines) and accidents occurring in these sections (pink circles) in Gimhae City, Gyeongnam Province. Provided by Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters.

To respond to wintertime icing accidents, the provincial fire headquarters has equipped fire vehicles with a voice warning system in their navigation devices.

Additionally, as of 2024, the response system has been strengthened for 48 out of 321 icy vulnerable sections-specifically those that fire vehicles pass through more than 500 times annually during dispatches.

The headquarters is also providing information about icy vulnerable sections to residents and related organizations.

Detailed information and analysis results on icy vulnerable sections are available to everyone on the Gyeongnam Big Data Hub Platform.

Lee Dongwon, head of the fire headquarters, said, "During winter, braking distances are longer and road surfaces are slippery, which greatly increases the risk of major accidents."

He added, "In areas where icing is a concern, please make sure to reduce your speed and maintain a safe following distance. Safe driving is the best way to protect your own life and the lives of your family."