Why China is One of the Worst Places to Drive in the World

In 2018, a viral video showing a man driving in China shed light on the chaotic and dangerous driving conditions that many people face on the country’s roads. The video, which was shot from the driver’s perspective, captured a scene that many drivers in China driving have experienced first-hand: a seemingly lawless environment where no one seems to follow the rules of the road and the consequences can be deadly.

The video begins innocently enough, with the driver cautiously navigating a busy intersection. However, within seconds, the chaos begins. Cars dart in and out of lanes, honking their horns and ignoring traffic signals. Motorcyclists weave through traffic, often riding on the wrong side of the road or on the sidewalk. Pedestrians dart across the street, seemingly oblivious to the oncoming traffic. It’s a dizzying and nerve-wracking experience, even for an experienced driver.

What makes China driving so dangerous? There are a number of factors at play. For one, there is a general lack of respect for traffic laws and regulations. While there are certainly rules on the books, they are often ignored or flouted by drivers who feel that they can get away with it. This can include everything from speeding and running red lights to driving on the wrong side of the road or making illegal turns.

Additionally, there is a pervasive sense of aggression and competition among drivers. Many people in China view driving as a way to assert their dominance on the road and gain an advantage over other drivers. This can lead to risky maneuvers, such as cutting off other drivers or aggressively jockeying for position.

>> Why China is One of the Worst Places to Drive in the World!

The consequences of this behavior can be devastating. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), there were over 63,000 road fatalities in China in 2016, making it one of the deadliest countries in the world for drivers. This is particularly concerning given the fact that the number of vehicles on the road in China has exploded in recent years. In 2018, there were over 300 million registered vehicles in the country, up from just 5 million in 2000.

Part of the problem is that China’s infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with this rapid growth. Many roads and highways are poorly designed or lack the necessary safety features, such as guardrails or adequate lighting. In addition, many drivers in China are inexperienced or poorly trained. While there are licensing requirements in place, they are often not rigorously enforced, leading to a high number of unqualified drivers on the road.

To make matters worse, the legal system in China can be difficult for victims of car accidents to navigate. While there are certainly penalties for reckless driving and other traffic violations, the process of pursuing legal action can be complicated and time-consuming. This can discourage people from seeking justice and allow dangerous drivers to continue operating on the roads.

Of course, it’s not just Chinese drivers who are at risk. Visitors to the country are also vulnerable to the chaotic driving conditions. Tourists who are accustomed to more orderly traffic patterns may find themselves in dangerous situations if they are not prepared for the aggressive driving styles they may encounter.

So what can be done to improve the situation? There are certainly no easy answers. However, there are a few strategies that could help. For one, there needs to be a greater emphasis on education and training for drivers. This could include mandatory driving classes and more rigorous licensing requirements. In addition, there needs to be greater enforcement of traffic laws and penalties for those who break them.

Infrastructure improvements could also make a big difference. This could include building more highways and improving existing roads to make them safer. Additionally, more attention needs to be paid to pedestrian safety, including the installation of crosswalks and pedestrian bridges.

Ultimately, however, changing the culture of driving in China may be the most difficult challenge of all. It will require a shift in mindset among drivers, as well as a broader societal change that values safety over speed and aggression on the road. This may be a slow and difficult process, but it is a necessary one if China hopes to reduce the number of fatalities on its roads.

In the meantime, it is important for drivers and pedestrians in China to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves. This may include wearing seat belts, avoiding distracted driving, and crossing streets only at designated crosswalks. For visitors to the country, it is important to research local traffic laws and customs before getting behind the wheel or crossing the street.

The viral video of the man driving in China may have provided a shocking glimpse into the country’s driving culture, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety. While there is certainly work to be done to improve the situation in China, it is important to remember that dangerous driving is a problem that affects countries all over the world. By taking steps to educate and enforce safe driving practices, we can all work together to make our roads safer for everyone.