South Korea’s “Smart Crosswalks” Use AI to Protect Pedestrians

In a futuristic twist on road safety, South Korea has begun rolling out **AI-powered smart crosswalks** that detect pedestrian movement and alert drivers in real time—dramatically reducing accidents in busy urban areas. The system uses **thermal imaging cameras and motion sensors** to track people approaching the crosswalk. If someone is detected, flashing LED lights embedded in the road activate, and nearby traffic signals adjust to slow or stop vehicles. Some intersections even feature **audible alerts and holographic projections** to warn distracted drivers. Piloted in **Seoul and Busan**, the initiative has already shown promising results, with pedestrian-related accidents dropping by **over 40%** in test zones. City officials say the technology is especially helpful during low-visibility conditions like rain or nighttime. “We’re merging urban design with artificial intelligence to save lives,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. As cities worldwide grapple with traffic safety, South Korea’s smart crosswalks could become a model for tech-driven urban planning.