On Monday last week, a three-year-old girl died and her mother was injured after a vehicle making a left turn collided with them as they crossed an intersection in Tainan.
The incident has caused an uproar, as it is not the only pedestrian traffic incident involving women and children recently.
Since a CNN article referred to Taiwan as a “living hell” for pedestrians, the public has demanded that the government address the issue.
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications responded by suggesting that all local governments should implement scramble crossings at all intersections.
The pros and cons of this measure have been debated across the country. A scramble crossing allows people to cross in any direction with all traffic signals for vehicles red, creating pedestrian-only crossing times, which would prevent collisions.
Many countries have implemented the measure. In Taiwan, such traffic signals operate on roads close to the Taipei City Government. From my experience, they are effective and worth promoting. With scramble crossings, pedestrians can cross the road diagonally, and their safety would be protected.
However, for drivers, scramble crossings require more time waiting for a green light, which could cause discontent. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications and local governments must plan safety measures with care, especially on narrower roads and in areas with more traffic.
Not every intersection is suitable for a scramble crossing. Officials should first evaluate which locations are suitable, then consider the times pedestrian-only crossings should be designated. The length of the crossing time should also be deliberated.
Further arrangements and supporting measures should be planned. With scramble crossings, traffic congestion is likely to be more frequent, and worsen during rush hour.
To avoid these problems, the government should modify rules about the lanes for turning vehicles. Otherwise, queues in those lanes would make congestion worse, and the public would find fault with local officials and enforcement units.
The fundamental problem is that most drivers in Taiwan fail to show respect to pedestrians. It is not an exaggeration to say that drivers and scooter riders have made the country a “living hell” for pedestrians.
Agencies and authorities must publicize traffic rules and regulations, and make it clear that anyone who breaks the law would be punished harshly. Hopefully this would prevent traffic collisions and make pedestrians safer.
The situation has recently improved. When I cross an intersection, I can see that drivers and scooter riders are more patient.
They stop their vehicles and allow me to walk across first. In return, I give them a thumbs up to show my gratitude. I want drivers to know that their patience allows me to cross the road in peace.
Other than implementing scramble crossings nationwide, the government should keep educating the public on the importance of respecting pedestrians, and it should enforce harsher punishments for those who break the law. Hopefully, Taiwan will no longer be a living hell for pedestrians.
Tsai Jr-keng is a retired elementary-school teacher living in Taipei.
Translated by Emma Liu
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