USAG RED CLOUD AND AREA I

SAFETY GRAM

Lunar New Year Holiday History/Risks/Statistics

South Korea’s Lunar New Year holiday, also known as “Seol-nal” is a time for Korean families to come together to honor

their ancestors, and is one of South Korea’s major holidays. Seol-nal falls in either mid to late January or February each

year. The actual Lunar New Year’s Day is a statutory holiday as are the day before and day after. This year the holiday is

from Thursday-Saturday (18 Feb and 22 Feb 15). During the Lunar New Year 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. It is highly encouraged to use

public transpiration during Seol-Nal because of the risk involved with driving.

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

during any Lunar New Year 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 2014.

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 Lunar New Year 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 any drivers take stretch breaks every two hours.

2. Enforce seatbelts for all occupants.

3. Identify and avoid hazards and convey the requirement for personal responsibility.

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

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

a. Be patient 2. Be sure footed on ice

b. Look over your shoulder before you change lanes 3. Use crosswalks

b. Keep your cell phone charged

c. Carry a safety break down kit Fire Safety

(1) Break down emergency lights 1. Keep candles away from children

(2) Extra food and water 2. Use gloves when frying foods

(3) Medicine bag 3. Use fireworks in controlled areas

(4) Spare change of warm clothes 4. Check fire alarms in your home

5. Have a charged fire extinguisher ready

6. Turn off all appliances

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