Smart Crosswalk

[Anchor Lead]

Surprisingly, a large number of traffic accidents occur at crosswalks. Pedestrians or drivers get involved in accidents, when they use smartphones and take their eyes off the road, even briefly. A smart crosswalk has been developed to prevent such accidents by giving warnings to those in danger.

[Pkg]

Late at night, an elementary school student crosses a street on a pedestrian signal. However, the child gets involved in a traffic accident, as a driver fails to slow down and come to a stop. A person suddenly shows up at a crosswalk. A car makes an urgent attempt to avoid hitting the pedestrian but is hit by the vehicle following behind. More than half of traffic accidents involving pedestrians occur at crosswalks. However, a smart crosswalk gives warning when it detects danger. When people approach the crosswalk, it flashes on the ground to warn drivers. The warning begins to flash when cars are 30 meters away. More measures have been taken to help ensure the safety of pedestrians. When cars are approaching, a voice warning is given to people waiting for the walk signal.

[Soundbite] "Cars are approaching."

Written warnings appear on the crosswalk and smartphones to alert people using smartphones while walking.

[Soundbite] Kim Jong-hoon(Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building) : "It is expected to be very effective for children whose eye levels are low and elderly people who have difficulty looking forward."

The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building plans to upgrade the smart crosswalk to connect it with car navigation systems.