On the 28th of last month, a post titled "Seeking Advice on Bicycle Accident in a School Zone" was uploaded on the vehicle-specialized online community 'BobaeDream'. Photo by Online Community 'BobaeDream' (screen capture).
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] The 'Minsik Law (Amended Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes)' which strengthens penalties for child traffic accidents occurring in school zones has been in effect since the 25th of last month. Amid this, videos capturing accidents within school zones have spread through social networks (SNS), sparking controversy. Drivers are urging for legal amendments, arguing that even if the child is at fault, the driver is held responsible.
On the 28th of last month, an online vehicle community called 'Bobaedream' posted a message titled 'Seeking advice on an accident with a bicycle in a school zone.'
The netizen who wrote the post uploaded footage from their vehicle's black box, stating, "Around 5 p.m. on March 28, on my way home after finishing work, a bicycle suddenly appeared right in front of the apartment entrance within the school zone, and an unavoidable accident occurred."
The author added, "I immediately called 119 (emergency services) and the insurance company, and went to the police station to file an accident report," and asked, "But I heard the Minsik Law has been applied since the 25th. Does this law apply in this case?"
He said, "The speed at the time of the accident was under 30 km/h, and the child involved appears to be under 13 years old," adding, "After writing a statement, the insurance company reviewed the footage but said it was an 'ambiguous situation because of the law.' When I asked why, they said, 'Because of the Minsik Law, we're not sure. The definitive answer will come on Monday.'"
On the 28th of last month, a post titled "Seeking Advice on Bicycle Accident in a School Zone" was uploaded on the vehicle-specialized online community 'BobaeDream'. Photo by Online Community 'BobaeDream' screen capture
The released video shows the moment of collision between a child riding a bicycle and a vehicle within a school zone. According to the footage, the vehicle was driving straight in the first lane when it collided with a bicycle coming from the opposite lane.
The video spread across various online communities and SNS, triggering controversy. Netizens responded with comments such as, "It's excessive to hold only drivers responsible while not thoroughly educating children," "It's problematic that the school zone starts immediately at the apartment complex entrance," and "What are we supposed to do to avoid such accidents when the speed limit is obeyed?"
Earlier, a petition urging the amendment of the Minsik Law was posted on the 23rd. The petitioner began by expressing condolences to the late Kim Minsik and stated, "I support installing speed cameras, pedestrian crossing signals, and mandatory bans on illegal parking to prevent child accidents in school zones."
However, the petitioner strongly opposed the amendment to the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes for reasons including ▲violation of the principle of proportionality in punishment ▲unfairly placing all responsibility on drivers even when accidents in school zones were unavoidable ▲the law being a flawed product of legislative overreach and public pressure.
He added, "Some say that opposition and petitions will arise only after victims appear due to the Minsik Law, and that the National Assembly will amend the law then. But who will compensate the victims and their families caused by this law? The law must be amended before victims emerge."
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