South Korea Expands Protective Barriers Amid Rise in Vehicle-Ramming Incidents

South Korea is stepping up its efforts to prevent tragic pedestrian accidents, particularly those involving vehicles veering onto sidewalks. The National Police Agency announced on April 14th that it will conduct a comprehensive review of pedestrian traffic accidents over the past five years to identify high-risk locations. In collaboration with local governments, the police will then install protective barriers in these identified areas.

This proactive measure comes in response to a disturbing trend of vehicle-ramming incidents. Recent events, including drunk driving cases at the end of last year and early this year, saw vehicles crashing onto sidewalks and crosswalks, resulting in fatalities and injuries, notably among Japanese tourists. The police aim to enhance safety infrastructure to minimize pedestrian harm.

Recognizing that approximately 66% of pedestrian traffic fatalities involve the elderly, the police will prioritize barrier installation in areas with high elderly foot traffic, such as senior protection zones and traditional markets. School zones and routes frequented by students will also see expanded barrier installations. The focus will be on robust vehicle barriers designed to withstand impact, rather than solely pedestrian railings.

Furthermore, the police plan to increase the installation of vehicle entry deterrent posts near crosswalks to prevent cars from encroaching on sidewalks. In areas with significant pedestrian activity, especially among the elderly and children, pedestrian signal times will be extended to accommodate slower walking speeds. The agency also intends to expand the use of 'simultaneous pedestrian signals' at intersections, allowing all directions of pedestrian traffic to cross at once, and increase the number of 'diagonal crosswalks' to facilitate safer crossings.