Why ‘Chinese style road crossing’ occurs

"Chinese style road crossing" refers to large crowds of Chinese people crossing roads, no matter whether the traffic light is green or red. Indeed, the phenomenon of pedestrians running the red light is commonly seen in some cities. It is very dangerous that pedestrians scramble for roads with cars in crowded downtown areas.

"Chinese style road crossing" reflects the deep-rooted belief that the law will not punish numerous offenders. In the fast-paced life, some people lack of safety awareness and cannot wait for the green light. Therefore, the group effect takes shape and some basic regulations have been thrown aside.

However, we should analyze the reasons for running the red light comprehensively, instead of blindly blaming low quality of the public. The pedestrian's crossing roads with a disregard to traffic lights is related to the unscientific planning of urban transport, short green light and unbalanced relationship between pedestrians and cars. To some extent, pedestrians have no choice but to run the red light.

Today, the design of traffic lights in metropolitan cities is friendlier to automobiles. For example, green light for automobiles is generally longer than for pedestrians. As roads become wider, many elderly and children cannot cross them even though they run all the way. Therefore, if they don't run the red light when crossing the road without a pedestrian island, they will be stuck in the middle.

"Chinese style road crossing" reflects the deep contradiction between pedestrians and motor vehicles on distribution of right-of-way. Therefore, in order to solve the problem, we should strengthen education and guidance to enhance citizens' quality and awareness of obeying traffic rules, improve urban management, fully protect pedestrians' right-of-way, encourage drivers to learn the driving awareness in developed countries, install traffic lights in a scientific way and take necessary management measures. In this case, Chinese people may not be "uncivilized" in crossing roads and the traffic order in China will be greatly improved.