Fatality Rate Increases by 1.3 Times When It Rains.. TS "Must Slow Down in Heavy Rain"

[Financial News] The fatality rate in traffic accidents on rainy days is 1.3 times higher than on clear days. In particular, when a truck accident occurs on the highway, the fatality rate surges to 5.6 times, requiring special attention.
On the 18th, according to the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (TS), over the past three years (2022~2024), the fatality rate in traffic accidents during rainy weather was 1.65 per 100 cases, about 1.3 times higher than on clear days (1.24 per 100 cases). The authority emphasized the need for reduced speed and adherence to safety rules during heavy rain due to the high risk of accidents on wet roads.
In fact, the fatality rate for truck accidents on highways during rainy weather was 6.94 per 100 cases, a staggering 5.6 times higher than on clear days (1.24 per 100 cases). The risk of accidents was also greater on wet or humid roads compared to dry roads. The fatality rate in 'wet/humid' conditions was 1.90 per 100 cases, about 1.5 times higher than in 'dry' conditions (1.27 per 100 cases).
The authority advises slowing down by 20% on wet roads and by more than 50% during heavy rain, maintaining sufficient distance between vehicles, and avoiding standing water or passing through it slowly without stopping to prevent hydroplaning. It is advisable to brake several times and detour around underpasses or low-lying areas if there is a risk of flooding.
Tire management is also important. According to the authority's experiments, the braking distance for passenger cars on wet roads (18.1m) was about 1.8 times longer than on dry roads (9.9m). The braking distance for trucks and buses increased by 1.6 times and 1.7 times, respectively. Worn tires can cause hydroplaning at high speeds, so pre-inspection is essential.
The authority advises increasing tire pressure by 10% before departure during the rainy season, checking the condition of wipers and washer fluid, and inspecting vehicle lighting such as headlights and taillights to ensure visibility and vehicle recognition.
Jung Yong-sik, Chairman of TS, said, "To ensure safe driving when it rains heavily, please always slow down more than usual, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, and check lighting devices and other safety rules."

en1302@fnnews.com Jang In-seo Reporter