Child deaths from traffic accidents in child protection zones (school zones) have decreased, but the number of accidents has not gone down. The government said it will push measures to reduce traffic accidents in school zones.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on the 25th, deaths from traffic accidents in school zones steadily declined from nine in 2010 to eight in 2015, three in 2020 and one last year.
However, the number of traffic accidents fell from 733 in 2010 to 511 in 2012, stayed around the 500 level, then surged to 927 last year. That is about a 76% increase from the previous year (526).
Most school zone traffic accidents last year occurred at intersections (57%) and crosswalks (26%). By type, there were more ▲ pedestrian accidents (54%) ▲ accidents while riding in vehicles (26%) ▲ bicycle accidents (19%), in that order.
Earlier, starting in Mar., the government invested 14.62 billion won from the Special Disaster and Safety Grant Tax to install sidewalks at 44 school zones and set up protective fences at 104 sites, among other steps to improve the walking environment.
Authorities are strengthening on-site enforcement in school zones and are also reviewing a plan to install dedicated pick-up and drop-off areas around elementary schools. Bicycle safety rule education for children is also set to expand.
Yoon Ho-jung, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS), said, "We ask for active participation in complying with school zone traffic laws so that children can attend school with peace of mind."