(image: Korea Roadkill Prevention Association)
SEOUL, May 18 (Korea Bizwire) — According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, highway roadkill accidents are typically most frequent in May and June.
In addition, there were an average of 2,180 cases of roadkill per year between 2013 and 2017.
Water deer were affected the most, accounting for a staggering 89 percent of all roadkill cases. However, the number of roadkill animal fatalities dropped to 1,884 last year, a 16.2 percent decrease year-on-year.
The Korea Expressway Corporation attributed the decrease to the organization’s “roadkill prevention” campaign efforts made in conjunction with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
The campaign has focused on raising awareness and building protective facilities for wild animals.
The Korea Expressway Corporation also says that safe driving practices are important in the prevention of roadkill accidents.
When drivers approach a road sign warning of wild animals, they should be advised to lower their driving speed.
If animals appear, drivers should honk their horn and drive forward instead of suddenly hitting the brakes or attempting to maneuver around the animal.
In the unfortunate case of coming in physical contact with an animal, drivers should turn on their hazard lights, pull over to a safe area, and report the accident by calling 1588-2504.
The Korea Expressway Corporation revealed that it is continuing efforts to install fences and other facilities to prevent wild animals from entering all sections of its nation-wide highways.
H. S. Seo (hsseo@koreabizwire.com)
