The National Fire Agency on the 10th urged caution over thin ice (black ice) crashes on roads during homebound and return trips ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. That is because temperatures are fluctuating widely as car traffic surges, increasing the likelihood of black ice forming.
An analysis by the National Fire Agency of traffic accident rescue activity statistics during the Lunar New Year holiday over the past three years showed there were 829 rescues last year. That was a 68% surge from 493 in 2024.
Black ice, also called the "assassin on the road," is hard to detect with the naked eye and carries a high risk of cascading into major crashes such as chain-reaction collisions. The National Fire Agency recommended refraining from sudden acceleration or hard braking when driving for homebound and return trips and securing more than double the usual safe following distance. It also stressed reducing speed and driving slowly on bridges, tunnel entrances and exits, and shaded roads that are vulnerable to icing.
The National Fire Agency also said people should watch out for icicle accidents. This is the time when large numbers of icicles form as melting and refreezing repeat due to the temperature difference between day and night. In particular, the number of dispatches to remove icicles during last winter was 2,044, more than double that of 2024.
The National Fire Agency asked building owners or managers to regularly check exterior walls and remove dangerous icicles in advance, and for pedestrians to follow safety rules such as avoiding walking along building edges or checking overhead. If removing them directly is difficult or dangerous, it advised not to attempt the work recklessly and to report it to 119.
Acting Commissioner Kim Seung-ryong of the National Fire Agency said the agency "will maintain a seamless 24-hour rescue response system during the holiday so that the public can spend a safe and comfortable holiday, and we will do our utmost."