Interior ministry launches nationwide pedestrian safety week

The interior ministry said Monday it will run a nationwide pedestrian safety week from Nov. 9 to 13, timed to Pedestrians' Day on Nov. 11, with local governments holding on-site campaigns, video broadcasts and an online quiz.

The week opened with a joint campaign near the Moran Folk Five-Day Market in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, organized with the city, the Seongnam Jungwon police station and civic groups. Visitors can try a crosswalk simulation, take a pedestrian safety quiz and sign a safety pledge, with promotional items handed out at the site.

Kim Kwang-yong, head of the ministry's disaster and safety management headquarters, inspected the promotional booth and then joined residents in a street march carrying flags and placards bearing pedestrian safety messages, the ministry said.

Pedestrian safety videos are being distributed through railway stations, local government billboards and apartment elevator media boards. A workshop for pedestrian safety officials from local governments nationwide is scheduled for Nov. 11, covering the direction of pedestrian safety policy, best practices, expert lectures and a field visit.

"I hope this pedestrian safety week becomes an occasion for all citizens to reflect on the importance of pedestrian safety and to practice safety rules in their daily lives," Kim said. "We will continue to work with local governments to create an environment where all pedestrians, including children and older people, can walk with peace of mind and to establish a safe walking culture."