[In-Depth Look] Walking Speed, Right Turn Signal, Engine Stop

Since the enactment of the so-called 'Minsik Law,' there have been increasing voices claiming that only drivers are excessively punished. The argument is that it is unfair when children suddenly dart out and unavoidable situations occur. It is difficult to agree with this. However, the government's response, which chose the easy path of strengthening punishment rather than structural changes to create safe distances, is equally frustrating. School zones were established, noticeable markings were painted inside them, and more speed cameras monitoring 30 km/h were installed. Yet, local government officials who hear that they 'did nothing' might feel unfairly treated. Both drivers and police officers have grievances and much to say.

But are you familiar with 'walking speed' driving? In Germany, although it varies slightly by state, it is generally defined as driving at a walking speed of about 5 to 7 km/h. In places where children can suddenly appear, such as playgrounds, school parking lots, school gates, and residential areas, walking speed signs are commonly posted. This is the speed when the gear is in D, and the car moves only by the engine's power without pressing the accelerator pedal on flat ground. Upon seeing a walking speed sign, drivers should reduce their speed completely and keep their foot above the brake, ready to stop at any moment, exercising cautious driving. This way, they can stop immediately if someone suddenly runs out in front of them. The 30 km/h speed limit is not an absolute standard. Minsik’s death occurred at a speed below 30 km/h. I recommend abandoning the '30 km/h faith' and expanding the scope of trust to walking speed.

Whether due to budget issues, lack of awareness, or the Korean society’s preference for flexibility, right turns are mostly made by guessing because there are no traffic lights. For example, pedestrians step onto the crosswalk when the green light is on. Vehicles turning right across that crosswalk may fail to see pedestrians due to parked cars, darkness, bad weather, driver negligence, and other factors. On wide roads, cars waiting in adjacent lanes can block the view, causing collisions with pedestrians crossing right in front during a right turn. Perhaps because it is a 'car-prioritized society' where people cross the street very cautiously, I have personally witnessed several cases where accidents did not occur. Starting with school zones, right-turn signal systems should be expanded at every intersection 'for the people.'

It is not only moving cars that threaten children's safety in front of schools. Parents and family members dropping off and picking up children, commuting school staff, academy buses, and others all park in front of schools without turning off their engines. Diesel engines’ idling is more noticeable, but gasoline cars do the same. Exhaust gases and fine dust threaten children’s health and safety. You might ask why make a fuss when the engine is only on briefly and will soon depart. That 'brief' period usually lasts 5 to 10 minutes. Try standing behind a car’s exhaust pipe during that time. In enclosed spaces, exposure to exhaust gases for 20 to 30 minutes can be fatal. After the enactment of the 'Minsik Law,' police cars guarded school fronts during arrival and dismissal times to emphasize safety. They were also idling. It seemed like they idled throughout their daily shifts. When asked to leave to avoid threatening children’s health, I even experienced police cars that actually just drove off. Engine idling is already subject to fines. Engines left running due to heat, cold, or habit are a fundamental factor making Korea a 'climate villain' while simultaneously threatening children’s (health) safety.

If walking speed driving becomes widespread, the excuse that it was unavoidable because a child suddenly darted out will virtually disappear. The more right-turn signals there are, the less the excuse of not seeing a child due to poor visibility will be heard. Through the change of always turning off the engine when stopped, parents can prevent situations where they inadvertently threaten their own child’s health. Let’s move toward a truly safe society through a change in perspective.

Jaehoon Jeong, Professor, Department of Social Welfare, Seoul Women’s University