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I have been complaining about the driving and traffic laws in Shanghai- about the preference given renegade drivers over pedestrians - for the past few years.
Perhaps the most insane and downright dangerous one is the turn-on-red rule - a car can turn right or even left on a red light.
There are other places, in other countries, that have a turn-on-red option, but only after a stop and precautionary glance.
The pedestrian has the right of way.
Here, the driver already has it in his mind to take the turn at maximum speed. Watch out if you are in his way.
I shudder to think of Shanghai when it realizes its full measure of vehicles on the road.
I am prompted to write by the recent commentary on jaywalking (by Winter Zha in yesterday's Shanghai Daily) that once again misses the point: that cars can turn right (sometimes even left) on a red light.
While this time the writer mentions running a red light, the focus is on the little guy, scooters and bicycles (admittedly a problem).
But, when it comes to pedestrians crossing the road in a crosswalk on green, cars turning on red into them are effectively running a red light, too. And they do it all the time.
Why is this never given any attention?
It is the driving rules and behavior that are the real danger here.
You know, as well as I do, that if the stated law of deducting points (whether it is 3 or 6 and only for running straight through a red light) was really enforced, most of the drivers in Shanghai would be driving without a licence.
Fix the driving rules and teach people how drive.
White angels in Chongqing South West Hospital
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