South Korean City Installs Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Rental Cars to Prevent Suicides (Image supported by ChatGPT)
GWANGMYEONG, May 17 (Korea Bizwire) — In a pioneering move to combat suicide, the city of Gwangmyeong, just southwest of Seoul, has equipped 10 rental cars with carbon monoxide detectors, becoming the first municipality in South Korea to adopt such a measure.
The city government announced Thursday that it partnered with local company K Rent-a-Car to install the detectors as part of its broader suicide prevention initiative. The devices emit a loud alarm when carbon monoxide levels rise inside the vehicle, a deterrent aimed at interrupting suicide attempts.
Each equipped vehicle also features a prominently placed suicide prevention hotline sticker, offering passengers immediate access to mental health resources in moments of crisis.
The initiative follows a formal agreement signed on May 15 between the Gwangmyeong City Government and the Gwangmyeong Suicide Prevention Center, in collaboration with K Rent-a-Car, under the program banner Life-Loving Practice Car.
The city plans to expand the program to include 50 vehicles and extend partnerships to additional rental companies in the coming months.
“This project is a proactive step toward eliminating access to lethal means and creating a robust safety net,” said Gwangmyeong Mayor Park Seung-won. “We will continue to work with more partners to foster a culture of respect for life and build a safer community for all.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
