Fewer Traffic Fatalities, More Elderly Accidents... Jeonnam Implements Customized Safety Measures

Total Fatalities Down from 255 to 218, Elderly Driver Deaths Up from 87 to 91
Focus on Personal Mobility in Cities, Elderly Pedestrian Safety in Rural Areas

The number of traffic fatalities in the Jeonnam area has decreased by 14.5% over the past four years, but deaths among elderly drivers have actually increased. Despite the overall downward trend in traffic fatalities, issues involving vulnerable road users such as the elderly and pedestrians persist. In response, the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency is rolling out customized traffic safety measures tailored to the distinct characteristics of urban and rural areas.

According to the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency and the Autonomous Police Committee as of September 22, 2026, the number of traffic fatalities in Jeonnam fell from 255 in 2021 to 218 in 2025, a decrease of 37 people (14.5%).

However, when broken down further, traffic safety issues among the elderly stand out even more.

Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency Building Exterior

During the same period, traffic fatalities among elderly drivers rose from 87 to 91, an increase of four. While the total number of traffic fatalities showed a double-digit percentage decrease, fatalities among elderly drivers followed the opposite trend.

Pedestrian fatalities dropped from 80 in 2021 to 64 in 2025, a reduction of 16. However, pedestrians still account for a significant proportion of all traffic deaths.

In response, the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency and the Autonomous Police Committee are implementing the '2026 Second Half Customized Traffic Safety Comprehensive Plan.' The main focus is moving away from uniform enforcement and instead differentiating enforcement methods, education, and facility improvements based on the characteristics of traffic environments and types of accidents in urban and rural areas.

In urban areas, enforcement will be strengthened against speeding, signal violations, drunk driving, as well as for two-wheeled vehicles and personal mobility devices (PMs).

In rural areas, the emphasis is on the safety of elderly pedestrians. The plan includes increased enforcement and guidance against jaywalking, along with enhanced unmanned enforcement in outlying areas using mobile surveillance booths. This measure reflects the high mobility of elderly residents and the unique traffic environment of rural communities compared to cities.

In addition to enforcement, there will be expansion of traffic safety education that directly reaches the elderly.

Traffic safety information will be communicated to residents through village broadcasts and a 'Neighborhood Traffic Safety Newsletter.' 'Traffic Safety Leaders,' led by village chiefs, will help promote traffic safety rules within their communities. The authorities will also deliver enhanced traffic safety education for the elderly and training on the safe use of agricultural machinery directly through visits to village chiefs and community centers.

Facility improvements to support vulnerable road users will be implemented in tandem.

Measures include designating new senior protection zones and village resident protection sections, as well as improving existing facilities. Upgrades such as extending pedestrian signal times, separating walkways from roadways, and expanding lighting installations will help make walking environments safer.

A representative from the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency stated, "Through customized traffic safety activities that reflect the specific traffic environments and accident patterns of each area, we will protect vulnerable road users and create a safer traffic environment that local residents can truly experience."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.