Comments on Liu Shinan's column "Drivers need road tests and manners" (China Daily, January 24, 2007)

I have traveled and driven throughout Asia, and I will state without hesitation the Chinese drivers are the most non-law abiding citizens when they get behind the wheel of a car. The author of the article has a very valid point when he states there should be traffic police.

One of the most disrespectful aspects of the Chinese driver is that when a person is in a controlled zebra crossing the driver will not give way, he would rather kill or maim that person crossing. On the other hand, pedestrians should also respect the law of the road.

In Europe and most other Western countries the first thing that a learner driver is told is that they have control of a "killing machine".

Chinese drivers have a great deal to learn about road courtesy and the sooner they are educated in this respect the sooner the road fatalities will decrease.

Westerner

On China Daily website

I have lived in the US for over 30 years and have also lived in China for several years.

People who are new to China tend to feel culture shock, and one of the symptoms of that shock is feeling a loss of control over their surroundings (especially if he or she is unfamiliar with the language), as when being a passenger in a taxi or when crossing a street.

Whenever my friends come to visit me from overseas, the first thing they do is express their fear of crossing the road, as they see me easily do it and feel unable to follow.

Edward

On China Daily website

(China Daily 01/31/2007 page11)