456 Pedestrian Deaths from Jaywalking Last Year
3 out of 10 Pedestrians "Jaywalk at Least Once a Week"
Drivers Also Suffer PTSD After Traffic Accidents
Blue House Petition "Stricter Punishment for Jaywalking Needed"
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] # Driver Kim Mo (40) was recently startled while driving when a pedestrian suddenly dashed out onto the sidewalk. Kim said, "If I had been driving just a little faster, a serious accident could have happened," and added, "Since that incident, I am afraid to hold the steering wheel." He continued, "Pedestrians jaywalk without fearing cars. If an accident happens because of that, whose responsibility is it?" raising his voice.
Every year, people lose their lives due to jaywalking. Jaywalking accidents have a high fatality rate and require caution, but pedestrians' safety indifference regarding this is severe. In particular, such accidents can cause mental disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder for drivers, which is problematic.
Deaths caused by jaywalking continue to occur steadily. According to data released in March by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the National Police Agency, the number of traffic accident deaths in 2019 was 3,349, a decrease of 11.4% compared to the previous year. However, deaths caused by jaywalking were 456, accounting for 35% of pedestrian deaths.
This is also related to pedestrians' safety indifference. Pedestrians should cross only where crosswalks are marked and when the pedestrian signal is green. However, many pedestrians ignore signals and cross crosswalks because they are in a hurry.
Office worker Kim Mo (28) said, "Is there anyone who has never jaywalked? I know jaywalking is bad, but when I'm busy, I can't help but do it. I think people do it because there is no way to regulate jaywalking."
It was found that 3 out of 10 pedestrians jaywalk at least once a week. In December last year, the Korea Transportation Safety Authority surveyed 7,617 respondents about their 'recent weekly jaywalking experience,' and 32.3% of respondents reported having jaywalked at least once.
The most common reason for jaywalking was "the road is narrow enough to cross" (38.6%), followed by "there is no crosswalk nearby" (24.2%), and "I thought jaywalking would not be dangerous" (19.8%).
Another issue is the mental trauma drivers may suffer when accidents caused by jaywalking occur.
From the driver's perspective, jaywalking accidents are likely to happen regardless of their will. No matter how much they maintain a safe distance and appropriate speed, it is difficult to predict the sudden appearance of jaywalkers.
Currently, under South Korea's Road Traffic Act, jaywalking is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 won, detention, or a penalty. However, according to the Enforcement Decree of the Road Traffic Act, the amount is usually around 20,000 to 30,000 won.
On the other hand, drivers who commit traffic accidents causing death or injury due to negligence or gross negligence under the Special Act on Traffic Accident Handling are subject to imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 20 million won.
As a result, petitions calling for stricter punishment for pedestrians who jaywalk have been posted on the Blue House National Petition Board. One petitioner said, "Accidents caused by jaywalking keep happening. But ultimately, the person who jaywalked is not punished, and the car owner bears all the responsibility."
He continued, "Jaywalking is a crime too, so why should the driver who follows the rules bear all the burden? If an accident is caused by jaywalking, pedestrians should also be properly punished," urging action.
Experts point out that jaywalking is related to pedestrian psychology and can lead to fatal accidents.
The paper "Analysis and Diagnosis of Jaywalking Accident Characteristics" (Eom Daeryong, Jeong Doyoung, Park Sangwoo), published by the Korea Transport Institute, analyzed, "Pedestrians tend to cross roads actively by utilizing every opportunity to reach their destination by the shortest route possible."
It added, "At this time, the common pedestrian violation of jaywalking occurs. Depending on the attempt, if successful, the pedestrian achieves their goal, but if unsuccessful, it can lead to serious injury or death, making it a serious problem."
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