Speed Limits to Be Cut in Half During Heavy Snow and Ice: Flexible Speed Control Fully Implemented on Seohae Bridge

According to Financial News, the police will begin full-scale enforcement of weather-based speed limits on Seohae Bridge and other major road sections to prevent serious traffic accidents that occur during adverse weather conditions.
The Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) reported on the 24th that deaths from traffic accidents on expressways caused by sudden weather changes and deteriorating road surfaces totaled six in 2023, five in 2024, and nine the previous year, for an annual average of about 6.7 deaths. Accidents in fog or on icy roads, where visibility is poor or vehicles skid, are particularly likely to lead to chain collisions, resulting in significantly higher casualties.
Since October 2022, the police have operated a grace period on Seohae Bridge, where a variable speed limit sign and section speed enforcement equipment are installed, focusing on informing and educating drivers about upcoming speed enforcement. Starting March 1, they plan to begin full enforcement of speeding violations based on speed limits adjusted to current weather and road surface conditions.
Drivers must slow down to the speed indicated by the Variable Speed Limit (VSL) system, and anyone who fails to comply will be subject to enforcement without exception. When the road is wet from rain or when snowfall is less than 20 mm, vehicles must travel at about 80% of the legal speed limit. In cases of heavy rain, heavy snow, or fog that reduces visibility to within 100 meters, when the road surface is frozen, or when snowfall reaches 20 mm or more, vehicles must travel at about 50% of the legal speed limit.
In addition, the police plan to deploy extra unmarked patrol cars on roads near Seohae Bridge during bad weather to strengthen enforcement. They will also use banners and Variable Message Signs (VMS) near the enforcement sections to clearly inform drivers about the obligation to reduce speed in severe weather and the presence of unmarked patrol car enforcement.
During bad weather, unmarked patrol cars will uniformly apply an enforcement threshold of 80% of the expressway speed limit, effectively requiring a 20% reduction in speed. This measure is intended to quickly establish a culture of safe driving in which motorists adjust their speed to match weather and road conditions, and to proactively prevent major accidents on expressways.
Kim Hoseung, Director General of Traffic and Public Safety at the KNPA, said, "Speeding in severe weather is a major cause of chain collisions and serious loss of life," adding, "The KNPA, together with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, plans to gradually expand the variable speed limit system to 121 locations vulnerable to icing. We ask for your active cooperation in fostering a safe driving culture in which drivers reduce speed according to weather and road conditions."
welcome@fnnews.com Jang Yuha Reporter