[Jeju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Hwang Jeongpil] The Jeju Police Agency (Chief Lee Sangryul) announced on the 9th that from 1:30 PM for two hours, they will conduct crackdowns on violations of pedestrian protection obligations and compliance with school bus regulations throughout the province, focusing on elementary school children protection zones.
The crackdown will be a joint operation involving the Jeju Police Agency, Jeju Autonomous Police Corps, Korea Transportation Safety Authority, and education office officials.
This crackdown was promoted to raise social interest and awareness of pedestrian safety, despite the enforcement of the revised Road Traffic Act strengthening pedestrian protection obligations, as violations continue to occur. It also marks the first anniversary of the death of a middle school girl at a crosswalk in Donghong-dong, Seogwipo City last year.
According to last year’s data, pedestrian fatal accidents slightly decreased compared to 2021, but both accident and injury cases increased.
In particular, pedestrians still account for a high proportion of 34.0% of total fatalities. Right-turn accidents at intersections occur on average 315 times annually, accounting for 2.5% of all accidents, with fatal accidents showing a decreasing trend.
Last year, there were 472 cases, an increase of 340 cases (258%↑) compared to 132 cases in 2021.
The main crackdown details include enforcement at locations within children protection zones where stop (STOP) signs are installed, and violations when it is clear and dangerous that pedestrians are crossing or about to cross crosswalks.
Other minor violations will be kindly guided and promoted in line with the purpose of the system.
A Jeju police official stated, “We will strengthen traffic safety facilities in various ways such as school zone stop (STOP) signs, point zones (reflective materials), right-turn traffic lights, and pedestrian warning systems for right-turning vehicles, so that drivers and pedestrians can easily recognize and be alert, through close cooperation with related organizations.”
He added, “This is not a crackdown for the sake of enforcement but will be combined with education and promotional activities to conduct enforcement that residents can empathize with, and we will do our best to ensure the system is stably established early.”
Jeju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Hwang Jeongpil baekok@asiae.co.kr
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