Nanjing has begun to implement new traffic laws aimed at large and medium-sized vehicles, ruling that they stop and give way to pedestrians or other vehicular traffic when turning right. The move aims to reduce or eliminate accidents stemming from careless turns.
First though, the back story. China’s traffic laws, by and large, follow the American model. That is to say traffic may turn right against a red light except when otherwise stated. That means there need to be a red, right-turn light, or appropriate signage.
That’s all well and good, except when pedestrians crossing left-right at a junction are doing so with their “green man”, when along comes a truck wishing to turn right. Same goes for non-motorised traffic travelling ahead in the lane designated for such to the right of the right-turn lane.
It sounds more complicated than it is, but nevertheless, in 2021 alone, 37 accidents involving large vehicles turning right without giving way occurred in Nanjing, killing 24 and injuring 15.
That’s what the new legislation intends to change.
Therefore, as JSChina.com.cn reported yesterday, 22 February, signage has now been installed at 24 accident-prone junctions in the city, stating, “On right turn, stop and give way” (右转必须停车让行).
Drivers who fail to do so shall be caught by surveillance cameras and punished with a ¥100 fine and 3 points on their licence. In addition, the companies for which the offending drivers work shall be identified and publicly shamed.
Most interestingly of all though, is the addition of an LED display above the sign. When a larger vehicle approaches to turn right, its licence plate number will appear on the screen, and a reminder issued; “Stop and give way”!
So while all this is good news for pedestrians, and bike and e-bike riders, it should be remembered that the new law so far only applies at the aforementioned 24 intersections.
With time, though, this publication hopes that the legislation becomes city-wide, giving those on two feet or wheels a little less cause for concern when tackling Nanjing’s ever-growing, and ever-more busy, network of roads.