"This Is Not Right" Are You Still Illegally Parking in School Zones? [Reporter Han Goes]

567 Child Traffic Accidents in School Zones Last Year... 6 Deaths, 589 Injuries
Illegal Parking in School Zones Persists... Causes 'Blind Spots'
Impossible to React if Children Suddenly Appear Near Vehicles
Citizens Say "Stricter Punishments Won't Help, People Must Follow Laws Conscientiously"

An illegal parked cargo truck is located in a school zone within an apartment complex in Seoul. Due to the cargo truck, the forward visibility is obstructed, raising concerns about safety accidents in the school zone. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "I don't think the children can be seen because they are hidden behind that truck. It's very dangerous."

Despite the enforcement of the so-called 'Min-sik Law,' which strengthens penalties to prevent accidents in school zones, and the increase in fines for illegal parking in school zones, some still illegally park, causing public concern. If children suddenly run out from beside such vehicles, drivers may find it difficult to respond properly, potentially leading to serious accidents.

Recently, a large cargo truck was blatantly parked in a school zone in front of an apartment complex in Seoul. Not only this vehicle but other trucks were also illegally parked in the school zone.

Even if a driver enters this school zone and complies with the speed regulations, the illegally parked vehicles inevitably create blind spots, making it a nerve-wracking situation that could ultimately lead to a major accident.

Another cargo truck is illegally parked in the school zone of an apartment complex in Seoul. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

Citizens immediately voiced criticism. Parking illegally in a school zone, which is directly connected to children's lives, is considered utterly irresponsible.

Kim, a company employee in his 30s, said, "When I usually pass through school zones while driving, I pay close attention to whether children suddenly run out," adding, "If there are illegally parked vehicles like this, you can't see the children at all." He strongly criticized, "Isn't that why the fines for such vehicles were increased? If vehicles still park illegally, they should be towed immediately upon sight."

Lee, a company employee in his 40s raising two elementary school children, said, "Accidents can happen in school zones no matter how careful you are," adding, "I hope drivers think about their own sons and daughters passing through here, and the same goes for those who park illegally." He further pointed out, "(Now) there really shouldn't be any more tragic accidents."

As citizens pointed out, the fines for illegal parking are 40,000 KRW for passenger cars and 50,000 KRW for vans. However, in school zones, if caught parking illegally, the fine is doubled to 80,000 to 90,000 KRW. This is intended to raise awareness as it directly affects children's lives.

Another cargo truck is illegally parked in the school zone of an apartment complex in Seoul. In front of the truck, there is a warning sign that reads "Children Protection Zone." Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

Despite this situation, small and large child traffic accidents continue to occur in school zones. According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, there were a total of 567 child traffic accidents in school zones last year. Among them, 6 were fatal and 589 resulted in injuries.

Pedestrian accidents accounted for 475 cases (84%), mostly occurring between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. (304 cases, 54%), the time when children return home from school or go to academies. Of the 6 fatalities, 3 were preschoolers, 2 were lower-grade students, and 1 was an upper-grade student, all of whom died while walking.

Additionally, according to Seoul City, among 244 child accidents in school zones over the past three years, 70 cases (28.7%) were influenced by vehicles parked along the roadside. This underscores the need to strictly observe driving and related regulations in school zones.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety is implementing a resident reporting system for illegal parking in school zones across local governments nationwide. By taking photos of illegally parked vehicles (at least two photos taken one minute apart) using the 'Safety Report App' and reporting them, fines (80,000 KRW for passenger cars, double the usual fine on general roads) are imposed immediately without on-site verification by enforcement officers. The photos must show safety signs indicating the school zone and parking prohibition (yellow solid or double lines or signposts).

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