Shanghai police pledge to crack down on road rage amid growing concerns over reckless driving and aggressive behavior.
China's Ministry of Public Security recently reported that road rage accounted for more than 82,000 traffic accidents.
Enforcement of the laws against reckless, improper driving will be further increased with a sense of urgency. According to the city's police force, failure to yield, ignoring traffic signs, and driving under the influence contribute to a quarter of road accidents.
Road rage can manifest in deliberate harassment or obstruction of another motorist. It has been observed to resort in threats, rudeness, and damage of private property. Exaggerated honking can also be disruptive and increases noise pollution.
Refusing to comply with disciplined driving regulations has proven to provoke reactionary road rage.
Aside from selfish and entitled driving habits, anger-inspired road violence in China has also been an issue.
Zhang, a man in Chengdu, was recently found pulling a woman out of her driver's seat to beat and kick her in the face, because of her abrupt lane change.
A spectator on Chengdu's Third Ring Road recorded the incident on video, exposing Zhang. No passersby stopped to help the female victim as she was being beaten on the street.
In Shanghai, another man was recently videoed boarding a bus and attacking its driver. He accused the bus driver of cutting him off.
The Ministry of Public Security urges citizens to report violations, promising strict consequences. There are around 8,000 traffic enforcers in Shanghai and it is still unclear as to how they plan to implement this new stringency. Numerous transgressions go unpunished when policemen seem too busy to be present.
Risky maneuvers, infringing upon the rights of other motorists, disregarding road rules, and bullying pedestrians will not be tolerated.