Despite the 'Minsik Act', School Zone Accidents Continue... Police Operate Patrol Teams for Commuting Routes

Intensive Crackdown on Traffic Law Violations in School Zones

Photo by MBC Newsdesk screen capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Despite the implementation of the so-called 'Min-sik Law,' traffic accidents continue to occur in school zones (e.g., Seubuljae), prompting the police to operate a dedicated enforcement team for commuting hours.

According to MBC's 'News Desk' on the 27th, the police began intensive crackdowns today (27th), the first day of elementary school reopening after nearly three months of delay due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Earlier, on the 21st, a 2-year-old child was fatally struck by a vehicle making an illegal U-turn in a school zone in Jeonju, Jeonbuk.

In March, A (46) was booked without detention on charges of hitting and injuring an 11-year-old child in a school zone in Pocheon, Gyeonggi. The injured child suffered a broken arm and was diagnosed with a six-week recovery period.

According to reports, 65% of traffic accidents in children's protection zones in Seoul over the past three years occurred around elementary schools, with about half concentrated between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., the after-school hours.

Accordingly, the police will guide students to cross roads safely and control vehicles at crosswalks without traffic lights.

Additionally, since illegally parked vehicles are likely to cause accidents, the number of enforcement cameras will be increased in 50 school zones. Furthermore, about 370 roadside parking spaces near school routes will be eliminated within this year.

In particular, a 'School Zone Enforcement Team' will operate around more than 130 schools where accidents occurred over the past three years to crack down on vehicles violating regulations.

A parent of an elementary school student said in an interview, "Having police officers present makes the children more cautious psychologically, and drivers also become somewhat more careful, so it is very good."

Kim Yong-wook, head of the Traffic Division at Seongbuk Police Station, stated, "The biggest cause is illegal parking. Drivers cannot see children well, which narrows their field of vision and leads to accidents."

Meanwhile, the police plan to significantly increase speed reduction facilities such as speed bumps and raised crosswalks that physically reduce the speed of vehicles entering school zones.