‘Hell for pedestrians’: Anger, public mourning in Taiwan over series of fatal traffic collisions

Experts and lawmakers have attributed factors like weak rule enforcement and lenient sentencing, the lack of mandatory medical and cognitive checks for elderly drivers above the age of 65 and poor urban planning and infrastructure that has failed to protect the lives and safety of pedestrians. 

Politicians like New Power Party chairwoman Claire Wang highlighted ineffective current measures like lax rules for drivers to slow down in school zones and residential areas as well as the ineffective elderly driver license renewal system, which started eight years ago in 2017.

Wang noted that over 100,000 traffic incidents involving senior drivers and riders aged 65 and above were reported last year, resulting in around 1,225 deaths and more than 73,000 injuries.

The figures were actually higher than before the implementation of the new license renewal system, Wang said.

Road design guidelines in Taiwan have not been “substantially and meaningfully updated”, said Dr Cheng, adding that “neither government officials nor consultancy companies had the most up-to-date knowledge”.

He also noted a “bullying” environment on Taiwan’s roads. “Our research shows that traffic bullying (is common),” he said. “The more powerful the mode of transport one operates, the higher the right of way they believe they deserve.”

“Enforcement of traffic rules and the implementation of slow speed zones do not always follow through. At the end, everyone has to look after themselves on the road, possibly leading to more aggressive driving behaviour.” 

Commenting on Monday’s accident, Vision Zero Taiwan noted that the elderly driver had renewed his driving licence earlier in February. 

“(While) the cause of today’s fatal incident remains under investigation, extensive scientific and statistical evidence shows that older drivers, on average, face a higher risk of involvement in collisions,” a statement read.

It added: “In a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian, the pedestrian almost always bears the brunt of the harm.”

“Those most at risk deserve the highest level of priority on our roads. Protecting vulnerable road users is a duty shared by all drivers. Those operating the most dangerous vehicles have the greatest responsibility to minimise the risk they pose to others.”