Enhancing Road Traffic Safety in Kaohsiung
Reduction in Traffic Fatalities and Casualties
Between January and July 2021, the number of fatalities from A1 accidents in Kaohsiung decreased by 23 year-over-year (YoY) to 104, while total casualties declined by 2,551 (-7.4%), from 34,257 YoY to 31,706. To safeguard the lives and property of Kaohsiung citizens, the Kaohsiung City Police Department (KCPD) conducts onsite inspections after every A1 accident in coordination with relevant agencies to identify and implement necessary improvements. The outcomes of these enhancements are reported to the Traffic Safety Supervision Meeting for further evaluation.
A1 and A2 Accident Reduction Program
To improve overall road traffic safety, the Kaohsiung City Government (KHCG) launched the A1 and A2 Accident Reduction Program, which analyzes the characteristics and behaviors of road users to inform targeted safety strategies. By integrating resources across KHCG departments and employing a multi-faceted approach—including engineering, education, law enforcement, public awareness, supervision, management, and evaluation—the program focuses on key safety priorities:
Strengthening traffic safety measures for motorcyclists, elderly drivers, and large vehicles.
Reducing incidents of drunk driving.
Implementing targeted improvement measures for high-risk groups, major accident types, and accident-prone locations.
Key Safety Initiatives
1. Infrastructure Improvements
Accident blackspot improvement projects (contract signed).
Speed management initiatives, including progressive and alternate traffic sign systems.
Extended plantation trimming from 25m to 50m at intersections to improve visibility.
Road resurfacing and road diet projects.
Implementation of wedge-shaped road markings.
Installation of additional pedestrian refuges.
Enlargement and extension of pedestrian signal timing.
2. Education and Public Awareness
Children: Safe road-crossing and cycling education.
Motorcyclists: Safety workshops, short films, and public service announcements.
Elderly: Awareness programs at senior centers, community events, and religious gatherings.
Youth: Engagement with university presidents, senior high and vocational schools, industrial parks, and Kaohsiung Port.
Innovative Initiatives:
Road Traffic Safety Education Development and Training Program for high school students.
Kaohsiung City Road Traffic Safety Week.
Development of accident blackspot maps.
Public Outreach:
Drunk driving prevention campaigns.
Promotion of designated driving.
Awareness sessions on truck blind spots, particularly at industry park supplier conferences.
3. Vehicle Supervision, Management, and Law Enforcement
Targeted Law Enforcement Operations:
Red-light running enforcement.
Crackdown on illegal parking and double parking in high-traffic commercial and accident-prone areas.
Monitoring of illegal road use, red-light violations, speeding, illegal turns, and improper parking of large vehicles.
Increased Police Presence & Technology-Driven Enforcement:
Deployment of high-tech equipment and mobile speed detectors to enhance enforcement efficiency.
Precision law enforcement at accident blackspots to improve road safety.
Driver Training & Supervision:
Implementation of traffic safety training for novice drivers.
Introduction of enhanced driver management programs for elderly motorists to improve overall driver quality.
