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Chuseok holiday safety: Traffic accidents and residential fires rise
Data from the last five years (2021–2025) indicates a significant rise in safety risks during the Chuseok holiday period. Traffic accidents are most frequent on the day before the holiday, averaging 750 cases per day, which is approximately 1.4 times higher than the daily average of 541 cases during normal periods. These accidents are heavily concentrated between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
While the total number of accidents may be lower during the holiday, the severity of casualties is higher. The number of casualties per 100 accidents rises to approximately 166 during the holiday, compared to 144 during normal periods. Drunk driving also shows an increased prevalence, accounting for 8.7% of accidents compared to the usual 6.5%. Authorities have specifically warned against over-reliance on Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), noting that 20 people have died in 30 highway accidents involving ACC over the past five years.
In addition to traffic concerns, residential fire risks increase due to holiday food preparation. Residential fires account for a higher proportion of total fires during the holiday compared to normal periods. Nearly 47.2% of these fires are caused by negligence, such as leaving cooking heat sources unattended. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety advises using K-class fire extinguishers for oil fires and emphasizes not leaving cooking areas unattended.
Entities
Chuseok · Korea Expressway Corporation · Korea Road Traffic Authority · Ministry of the Interior and Safety
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The proportion of drunk driving accidents during the holiday is 8.7%, compared to 6.5% during normal periods. www.autoherald.co.kr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The average number of daily traffic accidents on the day before the Chuseok holiday is 750 cases. www.autoherald.co.kr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The number of casualties per 100 accidents increases to 165.8 during the holiday, compared to 143.7 normally. www.autoherald.co.kr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Negligence, including cooking and leaving heat sources unattended, accounts for 47.2% of residential fires during the holiday. biz.heraldcorp.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Nearly half of residential fires during the holiday period are caused by negligence during food preparation. biz.heraldcorp.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Over the last five years, 30 highway accidents involving Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) resulted in 20 deaths. www.autoherald.co.kr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Traffic accidents are concentrated between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM on the day before the holiday. www.autoherald.co.kr