Korea and Japan make jaywalking illegal and impose fines. However, traffic fatalities are higher in Korea and Japan than in European countries that allow jaywalking. Korea’s pedestrian traffic death rate is about three times higher than the OECD average, and more than 45 percent of all traffic fatalities are caused by pedestrian accidents. This is a very high number compared to other OECD countries.
A woman in her 20s was crossing the crosswalk while observing the signal. However, when she almost finished crossing, the previous vehicle suddenly started to reverse. The driver did not slow down without looking behind, and a collision accident with A occurred in the process. In the impact of the accident, A fell and fractured her leg, and people around her rushed to help her and took her to the hospital.
Some Southeast Asian countries have lower accident rates than those with strict traffic laws. This is because they drive at a low speed naturally due to high road congestion. In addition, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, and vehicles share the same road, and drivers drive more carefully. And the speed limit on the road is already limited to 30-40 km. Accidents on crosswalks are more affected by actual traffic conditions and the environment than by traffic laws.
SOPHIA KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
