[Kaohsiung News] In order to improve traffic safety for schoolchildren and pedestrians, the Transportation Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government has announced the reinstatement of all-day normal operation for three-color traffic signals at intersections surrounding school zones. This replaces the previous practice of flashing signals during non-peak hours. The new measure is intended to reduce traffic accidents, and to enhance pedestrian safety.
Intersections near schools are typically located adjacent to residential communities and major arterial roads. In the past, when schools were not in session during daytime or at night, some intersections operated with flashing yellow & red lights. However, drivers who ignoring or not following the traffic rules usually resulted in traffic accidents.
The Bureau emphasized that while flashing yellow signals indicate that drivers should slow down, and flashing red signals require vehicles to come to a complete stop before proceeding, many road users do not comply with these rules, increasing the risk of accidents.
To enhance traffic safety in school zones, the Transportation Bureau has begun reviewing over 300 school zone intersections within the urban area. Priority is being given to locations where road widths exceed 20 meters. These sites will be reinstated with full-day, short-cycle red-yellow-green signal operations. Additionally, pedestrian waiting times at crosswalks will be adjusted based on the effective width of each intersection, with the goal of encouraging drivers to follow traffic rules and yield to pedestrians.
The Transportation Bureau reiterates that drivers should reduce speed and proceed with caution when driving near school zones. Pedestrians are also urged to follow traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings to jointly foster a safe and friendly traffic environment that ensures the protection of pedestrian crossings.
For more information, please contact Director Hsu Nai-wen of the Intelligent Transportation Center at 0932-880839.
