Safety officials urge caution on roads during holiday

By Capt. Jay Taylor, Eighth Army Public AffairsFebruary 2, 2011

Safety officials urge caution on roads during holiday
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YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea - Motorists should expect heavy traffic, increased drive times and more dangerous road conditions than usual during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, which begins Feb. 2.

The Korean holiday normally lasts three days but this year the holiday falls in line with a weekend so many travelers will depart on Feb. 1 and may return as late as Feb. 6 from celebrations.

"Expect long delays if you are on the road Feb. 1 - 2 ," said Joe Colson, safety director for U.S. Forces Korea. "These delays often cause stress in drivers and everyone is on edge so control your temper and avoid road rage."

Because of the high density of traffic in the greater Seoul metropolitan area, 8th Army leadership has designated road conditions as "Red" for Area II from Feb. 1 - 6. This means government vehicles on emergency missions only, as authorized by a lieutenant colonel or GS-13 or higher, will be allowed to exit the installation.

Road conditions in Areas I, III and IV have been designated as "Amber", meaning government vehicles only essential for official business, determined by a captain or higher, are allowed off any installation.

Commanders on the peninsula have been advised to discuss driving conditions and safe driving techniques with their Soldiers prior to the holiday to prepare U.S. drivers for the upcoming congestion.

"If you want to explore local attractions, do it on Feb. 3 or 4 as traffic should be lighter in the cities since those who are traveling will have reached their destinations," said Colson. "Make sure you check out your vehicle and charge your cell phone just in case."

The Korean New Year, also known as Seolnal, is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar and generally falls on the day of the second new moon after the winter solstice.

The three-day holiday is family oriented and is used by many to return to their ancestral home towns to visit relatives. Many Koreans visit east coast locations such as Gangneung and Donghae in the Gangwon province to watch the New Year's sunrise.

Related Links:

Eighth Arm Web site