Gwanak-gu Creates Safe Traffic Environment in School Zones for Children

22 Billion Won Invested This Year to Expand Installation of Audible Pedestrian Signals, LED Floor-Type Traffic Lights, and Unmanned Traffic Enforcement Equipment

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gwanak-gu has embarked on creating a safer and smarter traffic environment with the goal of achieving ‘ZERO traffic accidents involving children.’

This year, the district plans to invest a total of 2.2 billion KRW to further strengthen traffic safety facility systems within school zones and create a secure school commute environment.

Already, ‘pedestrian signal voice guidance devices’ utilizing information and communication technology (ICT) have been installed at 29 crosswalks near elementary schools and accident-prone areas in the district, along with ‘LED floor-type pedestrian signals’ at 58 locations, increasing satisfaction among students, parents, and local residents.

This year, an additional 10 crosswalks near elementary schools will be equipped with pedestrian signal voice guidance auxiliary devices, and 50 accident-prone crosswalks will receive floor-type pedestrian signals, completing the ‘Smart Pedestrian Safety System.’

The LED floor-type pedestrian signals display traffic lights on the ground, reducing accident risks for pedestrians. Their major advantage is that they are easily recognizable at night or on rainy days.

Additionally, these systems help raise awareness among pedestrians, including the so-called ‘Smombie’ (smartphone + zombie) group who walk while looking at their smartphones, preventing traffic accidents and improving nighttime visibility for vehicle drivers.

Alongside this, eight additional unmanned traffic enforcement devices to prevent signal violations and speeding have been installed in school zones such as Guam Elementary School, Nangok Elementary School, and Nambu Elementary School, bringing the total to 62 locations, providing a dense and safe school commute environment.

Moreover, the district is enhancing safety in school zones through various measures including installing solar-powered LED signs and yellow traffic lights to improve nighttime visibility for drivers, newly designating and expanding school zones, refurbishing outdated traffic safety facilities, and providing traffic safety guidance for children commuting to and from school.

A district official stated, “Continuous maintenance and improvement of school zones will create an environment where children can commute more safely,” adding, “We will do our best to ensure pedestrian safety for children and create school zones free of traffic accidents.”

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