Investigation and punishment now potentially awaits those riding in the rear of cars in Nanjing who choose not to wear seatbelts. While the new regulations apply also to those seated on buses, the fines that are in store are far from a deterrent.
The new police action got under way yesterday, 1 September. And it comes on the heels of considerable effort recently to up safety levels on our city’s roads.
Much has been achieved. Compared with the same period last year, the numbers of traffic accidents, deaths and injuries on Nanjing’s roads during July and August were down considerably. In fact, 33.5, 14.8 and 35.9 percent, respectively, as Nanjing Daily reports.
Indeed; it has been a good past year for road safety in Nanjing. For example, requirements for the use of child seats were introduced from 1 June, 2021.
For those on two wheels, the same day the previous year was when wearing protective helmets became law. Within a month, 90 percent of ebike riders were complying. Dangerous actions, such as running red lights and riding in the opposite direction, were also targeted and soon were greatly on the decline.
And so now it comes to seatbelts. While their usage in the front of vehicles in Nanjing exceeds 90 percent, it is not high among back-seat passengers.
Hence, the special investigation will focus on those in the back of cars and on long-distance buses, where seat belts are fitted.
While front-seat passengers not wearing seatbelts can be detected by surveillance cameras as the vehicle passes underneath, the same cannot be said for those seated in the rear.
Enforcing the new action therefore becomes quite the challenge. Authorities are planning to put the responsibility on patrolling police officers at intersections, where they can monitor vehicles while they are stopped at red lights.
This shall be combined with motorbike patrols and checks at expressway toll gates, service areas, key urban areas and surrounding schools.
According to statistics, the correct use of seat belts can increase the survival rate of vehicle occupants in an accident by 60 percent. In a frontal collision, the mortality rate is reduced by 57 percent and by as much as 80 percent if the vehicle is rolled.
But what about the fines we promised you? According to the “Jiangsu Province Road Traffic Safety Regulations”, passengers who fail to wear rear-seat belts on ordinary roads will be fined ¥5. Yes, you read correctly; ¥5. On highways and expressways, the fine goes up to ¥20.
Still, that’s not going to put many people off. Quadruple it, pronto.
