Following a series of accidents at railroad crossings, the South Korean government has announced measures to enhance safety by imposing fines on negligent drivers. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport revealed on the 11th that new regulations will be enacted starting next month as part of a comprehensive accident prevention plan. Statistics show that from 2021 to 2025, there were 36 accidents at railroad crossings resulting in 14 deaths and 7 injuries, with 75% of these incidents attributed to driver negligence, including cases of drivers entering crossings when barriers were descending.

To address these alarming statistics, the government recognized that psychological factors lead drivers to feel that they can safely proceed even when barriers are lowered. Consequently, a six-month grace period will be granted during which fines of up to 70,000 won will be imposed on negligent drivers after the period ends. While current laws technically require fines for crossing during barrier down times, enforcement has been lax, prompting a need for stringent measures in collaboration with railway police and local governments to bolster enforcement of rules.

Additionally, to further enhance safety, the introduction of AI-based intelligent CCTV systems at crossings has been planned. These systems will identify vehicles or pedestrians within the crossing area and alert train conductors, allowing for emergency braking if necessary. Initial installations are set to occur at two crossing locations where previous accidents took place, with a goal to equip a total of 543 crossings throughout the country. Kim Tae-byeong, the head of the Ministry's Railway Bureau, emphasized the importance of mindful behavior while navigating crossings, as even a brief lapse in attention can lead to tragic outcomes, appealing for public vigilance in road safety.