Government to Promote Strengthening Safety for Pedestrians with Priority Roads Expansion

Promotion of the 'National Pedestrian Safety and Convenience Action Plan'
Expanding Installation of Right-Turn Traffic Signals and Infrastructure Support

The government is promoting safety management measures for vulnerable pedestrians such as children and the elderly. A representative plan includes additionally designating high-risk roads as 'Pedestrian Priority Roads' and expanding the installation of right-turn traffic signals at locations with frequent right-turn accidents.

On the 12th, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that it has established and will implement the '2025 National Pedestrian Safety and Convenience Promotion Action Plan,' which includes these measures, in accordance with the '1st National Pedestrian Safety and Convenience Promotion Basic Plan.'

First, the focus will be on eliminating hazards to pedestrian safety. Among urban area side streets, those with high risk will be designated as 'Pedestrian Priority Roads,' and guidance to vehicle drivers through navigation systems will be expanded. In addition, right-turn traffic signals will be installed more widely at locations with frequent right-turn accidents, and pedestrian environments will be improved by measures such as separating crosswalks from intersections and maintaining speed reduction facilities.

Provided by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

For areas outside roads such as apartment complexes and universities, local governments will cooperate to inspect risk factors and prepare safety measures considering the characteristics of each site. This includes countermeasures for sections with a high risk of vehicles rushing onto sidewalks. While promoting revisions to the 'Road Safety Facility Installation and Guidelines' to include the installation of vehicle protective fences, safety facilities to block high-speed vehicles will be pilot-installed in areas with concentrated pedestrian traffic.

The automatic extension system for pedestrian signals for elderly pedestrians will also be increased. Expansion of pedestrian signal voice guidance assist devices will be promoted together, and roads passing through eup and myeon areas that require improvement will be designated as 'Village Resident Protection Zones' and maintained. Installation of safety facilities within school zones will also be expanded for children. An 'Integrated Management System for School Zones' will be established for the designation, cancellation, and maintenance of school zones.

Additionally, to ensure the safety of elderly drivers, standards for pedal misoperation prevention devices will be established, and an objective driving ability evaluation system will be pilot-introduced in traffic safety education courses for drivers aged 75 and older. Lee Han-kyung, Director of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters, said, "Although traffic accident fatalities in our country have decreased to OECD levels, pedestrian fatal accidents remain high," adding, "The government will focus on safety management for vulnerable pedestrians and strive to create a traffic environment where all citizens can walk safely."