USAG RED CLOUD AND AREA ISAFETY GRAM

Chusok Holiday History/Risks/StatisticsSouth 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 September 14 to September 18. 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 32 million people on the roads, the resulting traffic increases thevehicular 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 2015.

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

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

Chusok Holiday Traffic StatisticsYEAR ACCIDENTS PERSONS KILLED PERSONS INJURIED2012 1433 34 26802013 2219 59 40202014 2016 45 37012015 2046 39 3760

DrivingOnly drive if you have to.

1. Be patient2. Look over your shoulder before you change lanes3. Keep your cell phone charged4. Carry a safety break down kit

a. Break down emergency lightsb. Extra food and waterc. Medicine bagd . Have a charged fire extinguisher readye. Turn off all appliances before leaving your home

Walking1. Look carefully before crossing intersections2. Use crosswalks

Fire Safety1. Keep candles away from children2. Use gloves when frying foods3. Check fire alarms in your home