Taejin Kim, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member: "Diagonal Crosswalks Highly Effective"

by Shin Dongho

Published 21 Apr.2026 15:47(KST)

"Average Number of Accidents Decreased by 18.4%"

Taejin Kim, a member of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Seo-gu Council (Progressive Party), proposed the expansion of diagonal crosswalks during a five-minute speech at the first plenary session of the 339th temporary meeting.

Kim explained, "A diagonal crosswalk is a system that controls all vehicle signals at an intersection to red simultaneously, allowing pedestrians to cross in any direction, including diagonally, in a single movement."

Taejin Kim, Member of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Seo District Council

He further stated, "According to an analysis by the Korea Road Traffic Authority, the number of traffic accidents decreased by an average of 18.4% after the installation of diagonal crosswalks. In particular, violations of pedestrian protection obligations dropped by more than 50%."

He also noted, "There are various advantages, such as reducing walking time and distance (travel distance reduced by approximately 17%), fundamentally preventing collisions between right-turning vehicles and pedestrians, and protecting vulnerable pedestrians such as children and the elderly. These factors are expected to greatly improve pedestrian convenience for citizens."

In conclusion, Kim added, "Expanding diagonal crosswalks is a matter of protecting citizens' lives. I hope this will serve not just as a simple facility improvement, but as an opportunity to establish an advanced traffic culture where citizen safety comes first."