Traffic accident fatality rate on rainy days is 1.3 times higher than on clear days... "Reduce speed by 50% during heavy rain"

[Financial News] The fatality rate for traffic accidents on rainy days was found to be 1.3 times higher than on clear days. As a result, experts say drivers should follow basic safety rules during the rainy season, including slowing down, keeping a sufficient distance from other vehicles, and checking their tires.
The Korea Transportation Safety Authority (TS) said on the 7th that there were 37,783 traffic accidents in rainy conditions over the past three years, from 2023 to 2025, resulting in 597 deaths.
According to the Traffic Accident Analysis System (TAAS), the fatality rate for traffic accidents in rainy weather was 1.58 deaths per 100 cases, about 1.3 times higher than the 1.22 deaths recorded on clear days. When the road surface was wet or damp, the fatality rate rose to 1.85 deaths, about 1.5 times higher than the 1.25 deaths on dry roads.
TS advised drivers to reduce speed by more than 20% on wet roads and by more than 50% during heavy rain. Because hydroplaning can lengthen braking distance, drivers should also leave plenty of space between their vehicle and the one ahead.
Vehicle checks are also necessary, including tire wear, lights, windshield wipers, washer fluid, and air conditioning. Tires should be replaced before they reach the wear limit line, and lights should be checked before driving to ensure visibility and help other drivers notice the vehicle.
A TS official said, "Even 50 cm of floodwater can make it difficult to escape from a vehicle." The official added, "If you have entered flooded water, open the window quickly and evacuate immediately." The official also stressed, "If the vehicle's electrical system fails and the windows cannot be opened, tools such as an emergency escape hammer should be used actively, and they should be kept in the driver's seat so they can be used immediately in an emergency."

going@fnnews.com Choi Ga-young Reporter