Living
Traffic Accidents
Sadly, traffic accidents are incredibly common in the Chinese capital. Reliable statistics are nearly impossible to find, but even the government mouthpiece China Daily admits that traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among children and teenagers in Beijing. Whether you are driving or walking along the street, be aware that the situation on the road is not some complex ballet. Traffic flow looks chaotic and dangerous because it is, not because people are just driving ‘differently’ from the way they do back home.
If you are in an accident, keep calm and don’t panic. Stop your car in the spot that the accident occurred. If you can, take down the other driver’s name, licence details, licence plate and car type. Take pictures of the car from different angles, but do not interfere with the scene. Try to enlist the help of bystanders as witnesses, but be aware that Chinese bystanders will often side with a Chinese driver if blame is ambiguous. Once you have properly documented the accident, move both cars to the side of the road or you will face a fine of ¥200 and a potential two-point deduction from your licence.
If you and the other driver can decide who was at fault, it is not uncommon to try to reach an agreement about a cash settlement then and there to avoid involving the authorities. If not, police officers will assess responsibility and fines when they arrive on the scene.
Make sure to call the police (122) if the other driver doesn’t have a licence, appears to be drunk, or becomes abusive. If someone at the scene is injured, call an ambulance (999) immediately.
In the event that you are pulled over or involved in an accident, you should always carry your Chinese driver’s licence, your car’s registration, and an insurance card when you are driving. You must report tickets or accidents to the insurance company (or to the car rental company in the case of a leased vehicle) within 48 hours. If the other driver is found to be at fault, you will pay nothing. If you are found to be at fault, you will have to pay 20% of the repair costs, as insurance only covers 80%.
If you are in an accident, keep calm and don’t panic. Stop your car in the spot that the accident occurred. If you can, take down the other driver’s name, licence details, licence plate and car type. Take pictures of the car from different angles, but do not interfere with the scene. Try to enlist the help of bystanders as witnesses, but be aware that Chinese bystanders will often side with a Chinese driver if blame is ambiguous. Once you have properly documented the accident, move both cars to the side of the road or you will face a fine of ¥200 and a potential two-point deduction from your licence.
If you and the other driver can decide who was at fault, it is not uncommon to try to reach an agreement about a cash settlement then and there to avoid involving the authorities. If not, police officers will assess responsibility and fines when they arrive on the scene.
Make sure to call the police (122) if the other driver doesn’t have a licence, appears to be drunk, or becomes abusive. If someone at the scene is injured, call an ambulance (999) immediately.
In the event that you are pulled over or involved in an accident, you should always carry your Chinese driver’s licence, your car’s registration, and an insurance card when you are driving. You must report tickets or accidents to the insurance company (or to the car rental company in the case of a leased vehicle) within 48 hours. If the other driver is found to be at fault, you will pay nothing. If you are found to be at fault, you will have to pay 20% of the repair costs, as insurance only covers 80%.
