[Chamtrue?] Jaywalking Punishment... Is It Only in Korea That It's 'Lenient'?

Comparing Europe, the US, and Others
Experts Say "Prioritizing Pedestrians Is Key to Ensuring Safety"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

"Why are only drivers regulated when jaywalking pedestrians face weak penalties?"

Recently, news about amendments to the Road Traffic Act was reported, including the requirement that "drivers must 'always' come to a complete stop at crosswalks after making a right turn at intersections." In response, voices of protest are increasing, arguing that while penalties for jaywalking pedestrians remain unchanged, regulations on drivers continue to increase.

The current Road Traffic Act stipulates that jaywalking is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 KRW, detention, or a penalty charge, but under related enforcement ordinances, it is common to receive a penalty charge of around 20,000 to 30,000 KRW. Is Korea truly lenient on jaywalking?

Looking at other advanced traffic countries, that is not necessarily the case. Most European countries do not even have the concept of jaywalking. It is generally viewed that roads used by pedestrians can also be used by vehicles. In Europe, it is common to see pedestrians crossing the road without hesitation and drivers slowing down or stopping in consideration of them. The UK even requires drivers to be cautious by law because pedestrians may be crossing the road.

Nevertheless, countries like the UK, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands, which do not have penalties related to jaywalking, had traffic accident death rates of 2 to 3.9 per 100,000 people in 2019, below the OECD average of 5.2. Korea's rate was 6.5.

Korea has been heavily influenced by the United States, which first introduced the concept of jaywalking while prioritizing vehicle-centered traffic policies. However, most US states and Japan also treat jaywalking as a minor offense. Moreover, the US has a traffic accident death rate of 11 per 100,000 people, nearly twice the OECD average.

Experts emphasize that a pedestrian-friendly environment must be established first to create safer roads. Professor Park Muhyuk of the Korea Road Traffic Authority said, "In Korea, there is a tendency to view jaywalking pedestrians as 'intruders' from a driver-centered perspective. The concept of jaywalking was introduced not long ago, and now the paradigm is shifting from driver-centered to pedestrian-centered," adding, "Everyone should recognize that they are only drivers while driving and can always become pedestrians."

He continued, "There is a lot of education for drivers, but officially there is almost no education for pedestrians," and added, "It is necessary to expand basic legal education for pedestrians, especially targeting the elderly."

Professor Yoo Jung-hoon of Ajou University's Department of Transportation Systems Engineering said, "Given the characteristics of cities, it is essential to ensure both smooth traffic flow and pedestrian safety," and added, "On roads where both pedestrians and vehicles frequently move, it would be better to clearly distinguish and prioritize the rights of one side."