However, 76.3% of respondents said they were forced to use the sidewalk, as it was often the only option available to them due to obstacles or inaccessible pathways. (Image credit: Kobiz Media/Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, April 20 (Korea Bizwire) –Today, April 20, marks the 43rd Disability Day, yet more than four decades after its inception, individuals with disabilities still find themselves fighting for the same rights as those without disabilities. The right to mobility, in particular, has been brought to the forefront of discussions, with wheelchair users emphasizing that it’s not simply a matter of inconvenience, but rather a life-threatening situation, according to a recent survey.
The Korea Road Traffic Authority (KoRoad) released data on Thursday, revealing that out of 427 electric and manual wheelchair users with disabilities, 73.8% reported nearly getting into a traffic accident within the past five years. Of those who felt at risk, 69.2% experienced this at least once a month, with 32 people (10.2%) reporting experiencing it at least once a week.
These individuals with disabilities face the constant threat of being hit by a car at any given moment, whether they are walking on a pedestrianized sidewalk or inside an apartment complex. Even “crosswalks,” which have a high rate of traffic accidents, are not exempt from this danger, with 126 people expressing fear while crossing them.
The majority of people reported feeling the most threatened while on the roadway. Almost 130 people reported being hit by a car in a driveway, while obstacles such as signage, construction structures, and parked cars forced individuals to use the sidewalk, which was often unsuitable for wheelchair users due to obstructions in the middle or uncomfortable stares from the public.
Disability organization members, including those from the Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination (SADD), boarded a subway train at Samgakji station in Seoul on Thursday to commemorate Disability Day. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
It is worth noting that under the Road Traffic Act, manual and electric wheelchairs, motorized scooters, and specialized wheelchairs are considered “pedestrians,” meaning they must use sidewalks and driveways where available. However, 76.3% of respondents said they were forced to use the sidewalk, as it was often the only option available to them due to obstacles or inaccessible pathways.
An official from the KoRoad highlighted the vulnerability of wheelchair users to traffic accidents, as they often struggle to react immediately to sudden situations and have limited mobility. Experts are also in agreement that urgent action is needed to improve the environment and raise awareness in society, in order to make sidewalks accessible for wheelchair users.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
