Child Pedestrian Traffic Accidents More Frequent in Lower Grades... 62% Are Third Grade or Below

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] With the start of in-person elementary school classes scheduled for the 27th of this month, it has been found that younger grades are more frequently involved in pedestrian accidents, requiring special caution.

According to the Korea Road Traffic Authority on the 24th, a total of 42 elementary school students died and 7,852 were injured in pedestrian accidents over the past three years from 2017 to 2019. In particular, first graders, who are just beginning their school life, accounted for the highest number of casualties with 1,763 cases (22.3%). Lower grades, third grade and below, made up 62.4% of all casualties.

The Authority explained that children have a narrower field of vision compared to adults and lack the quick reflexes to respond to dangerous situations, making it difficult for them to avoid vehicles or move to a safe place. Physically smaller than adults, children may not be easily visible to drivers, so drivers must also pay close attention to child safety and exercise special caution.

Additionally, the Authority emphasized three pedestrian safety rules that children should follow at crosswalks: "Stop, Look, Walk." When waiting for the signal, step back one pace and stop. When the signal changes, look both left and right to check for oncoming vehicles. When crossing the crosswalk, do not run but walk slowly.

A representative from the Korea Road Traffic Authority stated, “As the period of most active child activity coincides with the start of in-person school, drivers and guardians need to be especially careful,” and added, “Since there has been a gap in traffic safety education, we urge schools and families to put more effort into guiding children’s pedestrian safety.”