August has become the deadliest month for drowsy-driving fatalities in South Korea.(Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 30 (Korea Bizwire) — August has emerged as the deadliest month for drowsy driving-related fatalities in South Korea, with the summer vacation season and long-distance travel contributing to a sharp rise in accidents, according to data released Wednesday by the National Police Agency.
Between 2020 and 2024, a total of 9,559 drowsy driving accidents were reported nationwide, resulting in 252 deaths. Of these, 36 fatalities—14.3% of the total—occurred in August, making it the month with the highest death toll.
August also recorded the highest fatality rate, with 4.13 deaths per 100 accidents—nearly three times higher than the overall traffic accident fatality rate of 1.47. The death rate rose sharply on higher-speed roads, with expressways registering 10.81 deaths per 100 accidents, followed by national highways (6.55), provincial roads (4.04), and urban roads (0.86).
Elderly drivers were disproportionately involved in these fatal incidents. Drivers in their 60s accounted for 29.4% of August’s drowsy driving deaths, while those aged 65 and older made up 32.4%. Drivers in their 30s (20.6%) and 50s (17.6%) were also frequently involved.
“Older drivers, whose physical endurance may be lower, are particularly vulnerable,” said a police spokesperson. “Drowsy driving impairs awareness and reaction time, and even a brief lapse in attention can result in tragedy.”
To reduce risks, authorities urged drivers to follow key prevention tips: get adequate sleep before departure, take frequent breaks, especially on monotonous road stretches, and use stimulating measures like listening to music, ventilating the cabin, consuming caffeine, or chatting with a passenger to stay alert.
“August’s hot and humid conditions, coupled with long vacation drives, make drowsy driving a serious hazard,” said Han Chang-hoon, head of the National Police Agency’s Public Safety Bureau. “We urge all drivers to take proper precautions to ensure a safe summer on the roads.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
