Universities tighten traffic safety measures ahead of fall semester

Universities are tightening traffic safety measures ahead of the fall semester, with some even blocking cars from entering their main gates to prevent accidents.

A sign reads that Changwon National University will be restricting access of cars through its main gate. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Universities are tightening traffic safety measures ahead of the fall semester, with some even blocking cars from entering their main gates to prevent accidents.

Changwon National University announced Tuesday that it will restrict all vehicle access through its main gate, stating that the change was made to prioritize students' safety on campus.

Many cars currently enter through the university's main gate, passing by the headquarters building and library before exiting through the north gate, and vice versa.

However, this does not mean that cars will be entirely prohibited from entering the campus. Vehicles will still be able to use an outer road near the main gate. This road runs around the outskirts of the campus rather than allowing drivers to go straight into the main area.

"This is to keep cars away from the center of our campus, where there are many pedestrians," said a spokesperson for Changwon National University.

According to the university, in 2023, there were 1.4 million cars that drove through campus, each staying for less than 10 minutes.

On average, there were 4,000 cars per day, with most passing through the university during the morning and evening rush hours.

These cars are not typically used by visitors but are mostly used by people who cut through the university to save time. The university’s north gate is close to the entrance of National Highway Route 25, which leads to Daegu and Sangju. Although there are other routes to the highway, going through the university is a faster option.

While there have been no casualties on campus, the university reported 29 minor accidents in 2022, such as barrier arm malfunctions.

In 2014, the university attempted to charge a fee of 1,000 won (75 cents) for cars passing through campus but was unable to implement the policy due to opposition from local residents.

A rendering of the park and open square that will be built near Changwon National University's main gate. [CHANGWON NATIONAL UNIVERSITY]

Although Changwon National University is restricting vehicle access through the main gate, it plans to create a park and open square area nearby and make it available to students and local residents. It will use 2.5 billion won of government funding, aiming to start construction around March next year and complete it by December.

Pusan National University is also working on tightening campus traffic safety.

Starting with the fall semester, it will appoint retired faculty members as campus safety officers. They will be responsible for monitoring areas prone to traffic accidents and illegal parking.

This decision follows a traffic accident in June in which a forklift truck struck a Pusan National University student, resulting in her death. The forklift truck driver was referred to prosecution on Aug. 12.

Chungnam National University also announced Thursday that it has created a safety task force team to prevent accidents on campus.

The team will address overall safety threats, including the use of personal mobility vehicles on campus, natural disasters and infectious diseases. Rules regarding personal mobility vehicles will be promoted to students, and the university will install additional speed bumps and surveillance cameras. The team will also inspect the campus for any large objects blocking escape routes and move them as needed.

"We've been experiencing more accidents on campus and need a detailed safety system," said a spokesperson for the university. "We plan to operate the safety task force team to conduct annual safety inspections and ensure that safety measures are properly implemented to create a safe campus."

BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]