Expansion of Traffic Safety Infrastructure Including Smart Pedestrian Safety Systems, Crosswalk Safety Shelters, and Car-Free Streets... Establishment of a Concrete and Effective 5-Year Mid- to Long-Term Comprehensive Policy for Traffic Safety and Pedestrian Environment Improvement
[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Over the past five years, traffic accidents and fatalities in Gwanak-gu have been on a decline since 2016. However, among the 1,390 annual traffic accidents, pedestrian-related accidents accounted for 405 cases, or 29%, and pedestrian fatalities were 9 out of 12 deaths, representing 75%. This highlights the need for pedestrian-focused measures to protect vulnerable road users.
Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Junhee) is leading efforts to create a convenient and safe walking environment that makes all pedestrians?including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities?happier the more they walk.
First, the district has initiated a research project to establish a comprehensive five-year policy direction and detailed plans for traffic safety and pedestrian environment improvements.
The plan aims to create an advanced pedestrian-centered traffic environment and includes projects to achieve zero traffic accidents in school zones. From 2022, a “Basic Plan for Traffic Safety and Pedestrian Environment Improvement” will be implemented over five years.
The basic traffic safety plan is a five-year plan based on the Traffic Safety Act. It will incorporate national and Seoul city policy directions on traffic safety and focus on setting pedestrian traffic safety policy goals tailored to the conditions of Gwanak-gu.
The district will prepare measures including ▲analysis of traffic accident trends and causes over the past five years ▲pedestrian environment surveys ▲review of improvements at frequent accident spots ▲pedestrian environment improvements in residential areas ▲customized safety measures for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
Opinions from local related organizations such as the Gwanak Police Station, Korea Transport Institute, Green Mothers’ Association, and Korea Transportation Safety Authority will also be reflected to ensure no blind spots in traffic safety.
During the 7th local government term, Gwanak-gu has been fully committed to expanding various traffic safety infrastructure for vulnerable pedestrians.
Twenty crosswalks around elementary schools in the area have been equipped with an “Intelligent Crosswalk System” using information and communication technology (ICT). Among these, five locations have additional ground-level pedestrian signals, which have been highly appreciated by students, parents, and residents alike. The remaining 15 locations will be upgraded this year to establish a “Smart Pedestrian Safety System.”
Twenty “Crosswalk Safety Shelters” that enhance safety and convenience in crosswalk waiting areas have been installed, with plans to expand to 50 shelters this year.
These shelters protect pedestrians from rain, snow, sunlight, and wind while waiting at crosswalks, and especially improve visibility at night with bright lighting, effectively preventing traffic accidents.
Additionally, five roads and streets with heavy pedestrian traffic have been designated as pedestrian environment improvement zones, pedestrian-priority roads, and car-free streets, transforming them into safe and pleasant pedestrian-friendly spaces.
Furthermore, through systematic environmental maintenance projects such as renovating aging street stalls, improving disorderly streetscapes, and implementing roadside green space projects, Gwanak is realizing a clean living environment where even small street spaces become resting places for residents.
Mayor Park Junhee stated, “We will present a concrete and effective five-year plan for traffic safety and pedestrian environment improvement,” adding, “We will continue to promote pedestrian environment improvement projects that prioritize people over cars to create a safe and happy Gwanak-gu where all residents can feel the benefits while walking.”
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