The Korea Transportation Safety Authority (TS) and the General Insurance Association of Korea are running a two-day road safety campaign at 17 travel hubs nationwide starting on the 22nd, aiming to prevent accidents during the Chuseok holiday.
The two organizations said the campaign, titled "Another Accident-Free Day: Chuseok Road Safety Drive," is intended to prevent crashes and protect the public as traffic volumes rise over the autumn harvest holiday. Part of the government-wide "Another Accident-Free Day" road safety campaign, it runs through the 23rd at highway rest areas, bus terminals and train stations where holiday travelers gather.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Korean National Police Agency, Korea Expressway Corporation, the Korea Road Traffic Authority and transport and volunteer groups are taking part. The two organizations said they plan to step up on-site promotion of safety rules to make holiday travel safer.
On the 22nd, the campaign is being held at the Tongdosa (Busan-bound), Gapyeong (Chuncheon-bound) and Hoengseong (Gangneung-bound) highway rest areas, as well as Busan Station and Cheongnyangni Station. On the 23rd, it moves to the Mannam Square (Busan-bound), Gosam Lake, Oksan (Busan-bound), Baegyangsa (Cheonan-bound), Iksan Mireuksaji (Suncheon-bound) and Jinyeong (Suncheon-bound) rest areas, along with Busan Seobu Terminal, the plaza at Dongdaegu Station, Ulsan Intercity Bus Terminal, Cheongju Intercity Bus Terminal and the rental car house at Jeju International Airport. Visitors to the campaign sites can receive road safety leaflets, wet wipes and toothpaste-and-toothbrush sets.
The two organizations said highway congestion and long-distance driving during the Chuseok holiday can leave drivers fatigued and prone to drowsy driving. Drivers should ventilate their vehicles periodically, stretch, and take adequate breaks at rest areas and designated drowsiness rest stops. They added that following safety rules matters — wearing seat belts, avoiding speeding, checking vehicles before setting out, resting on long trips and using a designated driver service after drinking.
"The Chuseok holiday brings heavy long-distance travel and a higher risk of accidents, so safe driving by each and every person is essential to protecting the lives of loved ones," TS Chairman Chung Yong-sik said. "As a safe mobility partner protecting everyone's daily life, TS will continue to do its utmost to spread a safe and happy traffic culture together with the public."
Lee Byung-rae, chairman of the General Insurance Association of Korea, said: "With long-distance driving and congestion continuing through the Chuseok holiday, a small lapse in attention can lead to a serious accident. I hope this campaign becomes an occasion for people to take enough rest and drive safely, so that families can travel to and from their hometowns in safety."
