Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop: "Strengthening Road Systems with a Pedestrian-Centered Approach"

Inspection of Traffic Accident Site in Unam-dong School Zone and Development of Safety Measures

Comprehensive Reinspection of Child Protection Zones... Improvements Focused on Pedestrian Safety

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Lee Yong-seop, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, visited the school zone traffic accident site in Unam-dong on the 19th, where four casualties occurred due to a recent pedestrian crossing traffic accident, to inspect safety conditions.

At this location, on the 17th, a family of four crossing the pedestrian crossing was hit by an 8.5-ton cargo truck, resulting in the death of one child and injuries to the mother and the other two children, causing great shock.

On that day, Mayor Lee thoroughly inspected the accident site and nearby pedestrian crossing signal systems, held an impromptu meeting with residents present at the scene, and listened to various opinions regarding road safety.

Residents suggested measures such as installing traffic lights at the pedestrian crossing, removing the pedestrian crossing and blocking it with fences to enhance safety, and also proposed expanding signs to make the child protection zone more noticeable.

In response, Mayor Lee stated, “While highways inevitably focus on vehicles, city traffic must be operated with a focus on human safety and pedestrians,” and added, “We will strengthen the road traffic system centered on human safety and pedestrians, taking this accident as an opportunity.”

He also promised to promptly collect residents’ opinions mainly through the Citizens’ Rights Committee and improve the system in a way that maximizes citizen safety and convenience.

In particular, through a reinspection of the entire school zone child protection areas in Gwangju city, dangerous factors will be identified and improved with a focus on pedestrian safety. He also stated that the ongoing projects such as lowering speed limits in school zones, road markings, sign maintenance, installation of speed and illegal parking CCTV, and traffic signals will be promoted with urgency.

Meanwhile, upon hearing the news of this traffic accident, Mayor Lee expressed an apology for the sudden tragic accident and deep condolences to the bereaved family.

Mayor Lee said, “An unthinkable tragic accident occurred. The dreams of a family were shattered overnight. I feel deeply sorry and responsible for the shameful and sad reality that even in child protection zones, our children are not being protected.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.