IMCOM

USAG RED CLOUD AND AREA I

SAFETY GRAM

Chusok Holiday History/Risks/Statistics South Korea’s Chusok holiday, originally known as hangawi (한가위, from archaic Korean for "the great middle of autumn", is

a major harvest festival and a three-day holiday in Korea, and is one of South Korea’s major holidays. Like many other harvest festivals, it is held around the Autumn Equinox. As a celebration of the good harvest, Koreans visit their ancestral hometowns and share a feast of Korean traditional food such as songpyeon and rice wines such as sindoju and dongdongju. This year the holiday is from Saturday (6 Sep to Mon 8 Sep). During the Chusok holiday period USFK normally declares road conditions RED due to all Korean major and secondary roads being heavily congested. Traffic can be expected to be near or at gridlock.

With approximately 27 million people on the roads, the resulting traffic increases the vehicular risk for Service Members, DoD Civilians and Family Members as they travel during this period. Koreans will travel using all modes of transportation.

Accident Statistics: Garrison Safety Office has no record of any personal injury or privately owned vehicles incidents or accidents recorded during

any Chusok Holiday. However, there is an elevated risk to personnel during this time period despite that fact. Current

statistics below are from the Road Traffic Authority (ROTA) and were provided by the Korean National Police Agency for South

Korean personnel statistics through 2013.

Chusok Holiday Traffic Statistics YEAR ACCIDENTS PERSONS KILLED PERSONS INJURIED

2010 3032 81 5527

2011 1415 56 2718

2012 1433 34 2680

2013 2219 59 4020

Safety Tips: Leaders ensure safety briefings are conducted during this holiday weekend to include seasonal risk mitigation and Under the

Oak Tree Counseling. Other areas for Chusok that are normally discussed are:

1. Ensure Soldiers are aware of the traffic hazards during this time period. Risks of fatigue due to long travel times are likely. Recommend all drivers take stretch breaks every two hours. 2. Enforce seatbelts for all occupants. 3. Identify and avoid hazards. Spread the word of hazards to others. 4. Be a responsible drinker and make a good plan to stay safe prior to departure. Review the Alcohol SMART card and maintain in Soldier wallets. 5. Be aware of possible drunk drivers during this holiday. Alcohol consumption by holiday revelers increases the likelihood of encountering a drunk or impaired driver. 6. Encourage guests to leave their cars at home and use public transportation or a designated driver. Ask guests how they will be going home from the party and be prepared to take away car keys if necessary. Have cash and phone numbers ready for taxi companies. 7. Serve food with drinks and provide non-alcoholic beverages. Stop serving alcohol at least one hour prior to events end. 8. Minimize all Government Owned Vehicle movement during the holiday period. 9. Advise Supervisors to implement Risk Assessments Via the TRiPS system at https://safety.army.mil

Safety Do’s Driving Walking

Only drive if you have to. 1. Look carefully before crossing intersections

1. Be patient 2. Use crosswalks

2. Look over your shoulder before you change lanes

3. Keep your cell phone charged

4. Carry a safety break down kit Fire Safety

a. Break down emergency lights 1. Keep candles away from children

b. Extra food and water 2. Use gloves when frying foods

c. Medicine bag 3. Check fire alarms in your home

d. Have a charged fire extinguisher ready

e. Turn off all appliances before leaving your home

POC is Safety Office, USAG Red Cloud and Area I, 732-8528