As we see, China is entering an era on wheels now.
More and more people, or families have cars now, and many are still considering buying a car.
This is much different from we ride bikes, walk.
And, are we ready for entering such a new era?
I would like to say, NO.
Why did I say no? There are the following reasons,
i) We do not have enough roads for cars. The original cities are designed for cars, bikes and pedestrians, but not for private cars. So, as we bought so many private cars, the cities became jammed. So, I think the primary reason why traffic jam is so severe in many cities in China is that, we have too many cars, but not enough road.
ii) Not enough traffic facilities to reduce risk of cars, such as traffic lights, stop signs.
iii) We are not well educated about the risk of cars. For the present exam system for driver licence, it is very difficult to pass it, but it does not emphasize enough how to keep the driver him or herself and others safe.
Often, when I get on a taxi and put on the safety belt, the drive will say, it is OK not to put on the belt, the police will not fine you.
So, did you put on saftety belt when you ride a car?
Did you let your child who is less than 12 years old sit on the seat beside the driver in a car?
I think many worms will say yes to the second question, while many will say no to the first one.
On May 29, one of my students left this world for ever, in a car accident.
Four people were killed in that accident, neither of them wore a safety belt.
So, in order to welcome an era on wheeels, we have to build more roads, set up more traffic signs, educate more cautious drivers and car-riders, only in this way, we can have safe, efficient car transportation in China. |