A new traffic regulation that strengthens pedestrian protection obligations came into effect from January 22, and additional amendments to premium surcharges are in effect from July 12. Let’s learn about new traffic laws that drivers must know and follow, such as the duty to stop in front of a crosswalk and how to pass the crosswalk when turning right.
At the heart of the new traffic law is a significant increase in what drivers must follow to protect pedestrians. The main content is that the situation where you have to stop at a crosswalk is wider than before, and if you do not do this, not only fines but also auto insurance premiums may increase. In addition, the driver’s duty to protect pedestrians has been strengthened even on roads where sidewalks and roadways are not separated and on roads within apartment complexes.
Poor traffic conditions – why was the law needed?
In Korea, 2,916 people lost their lives in traffic accidents last year, of which the pedestrian mortality rate was 34.9%. This figure is significantly higher than the average of OECD member countries (19.3%). 횡단보도 우회전 단속
Points to note when passing a crosswalk 좋은뉴스
existing changes
General road crosswalk Pedestrian crossing the crosswalk
Pedestrians attempting to cross the crosswalk depart after stopping only when
You have to stop even when you’re standing on the sidewalk
Children’s Area Crosswalk Pedestrians crossing the crosswalk
Pedestrians in a crosswalk without a departure signal after a pause only when
Even if you don’t, you have to stop for a while and then start.
The main difference in the changed law appears to be to give drivers the perception that “pedestrians have priority over cars” under any circumstances.
Precautions for turning right at crosswalks
When the vehicle signal is red
First, stop at the stop line and, when there are no pedestrians, slowly turn right. If there is a pedestrian, the pedestrian can safely cross the crosswalk and then proceed slowly.
When the traffic signal is green and the crosswalk is red
Go slowly and go straight through. It is easy to understand that this is almost the only case where the driver does not have to stop.
When both the traffic signal and the crosswalk are green
In this case, it depends on whether there are pedestrians in the crosswalk. If there is a pedestrian in the crosswalk, you can pause and then go slowly and turn right. If there are no pedestrians, you can pass the crosswalk by walking slowly without stopping.
nevertheless heavier responsibility for drivers
However, even when crossing the crosswalk after confirming that there are no pedestrians according to the above method, if a pedestrian suddenly jumps in and an accident occurs, the driver is 100% at fault. That is, when turning right, the most important factor in whether or not the crosswalk is passed is not the pedestrian signal, but whether the pedestrian is located at the crosswalk.
Penalty for non-compliance
If the driver violates this rule, the violating driver will be fined 60,000 won and 10 demerit points. In addition, according to the amendment that took effect in July of this year, auto insurance premiums will increase according to the number of violations. A penalty of 5% is imposed for two or three violations of the pedestrian protection obligation, and a maximum of 10% is imposed for four or more violations.
However, in order to improve the awareness of ‘Pedestrians first’, the first month (until August 12, 2022) was set as the guidance period, and fines for negligence and negligence were not imposed. Now, since the probation period has passed and a fine for negligence is levied, please thoroughly abide by the amendment