No honking in residential areas

By Kwon Mee-yoo

Staff Reporter

From next year, drivers who cause accidents involving pedestrians by honking their car horns on the streets in residential areas will face punishment as will those who put up signs obstructing those on foot.

The Ministry of Public Administration and Safety said Wednesday that it will initiate a bill, including these and other measures, to improve the safety and convenience of pedestrians.

The ministry plans to consult with related government agencies this month and issue the proposed measures to the public. It will then submit the bill to the National Assembly for approval in September. If passed, it will likely go into effect next year.

The bill stipulates that if a driver hits his horn and startles pedestrians, resulting in the latter's injury, the driver will be subject to up to one year in jail or a fine of 2 million won. Those responsible for setting up signboards or storefront signs on the sidewalks could face the same punishment if pedestrians get hurt as a result.

The proposed steps came as 36 percent of traffic accident victims were pedestrians last year. In Korea, 4.6 out of every 100,000 people died due to car accidents while walking in 2007, the highest rate among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries.

The ministry surveyed citizens regarding traffic accidents and pedestrians in February and 80 percent of the participants said they need a range of legal measures putting the safety of those on foot before the convenience of drivers.

A ``walking school bus'' system will be introduced as well to prevent school children from becoming victims of traffic accidents. Under the system, children who live close enough will walk to and from school together with volunteers.

Additionally, the ministry plans to expand school zones from the current 9,300 to nearly 15,000 nationwide this year.