[Photo] Cardboard grannies more vulnerable to car accidents

An elderly woman aged 83 years was killed in a traffic accident while she was collecting recyclable cardboard and waste on Aug. 14. South Korea's impoverished senior citizens often scrape together a living by collecting recyclable cardboard and other waste that they take to local junk depots for minimal compensation. Such senior citizens, because they often look for scraps on the streets and roads, are more vulnerable to traffic accidents. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has announced its initiative to launch an education program for elderly trash collectors so as to prevent further accidents. The program will provide basic education as well as safety gear, such as reflective vests. (Kim Bong-gyu, staff photographer)