简体中文
Beijing traffic police began on Thursday enforcing a fine of 200 yuan (29 US dollars) for motorists who fail to give way to pedestrians on crosswalks.
The violation will also result in a loss of three demerit points. China has 12-point system to manage traffic violations, deducting penalty points each time a driver commits a driving offense. When motorists lose all their points annually they automatically lose their driving license and must attend a course to regain their driving privilege.
Around 260,000 people die annually in China as a result of road accidents. Sixty percent of the total deaths are vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and people on motorcycles, according to the latest WHO estimates.
Traffic police and volunteer civilian assistants will be stationed at the first batch of 46 crossings within the city to enforce the rule. Even if a right turn on a red light is generally allowed, drivers must stop for pedestrians.
The enforcement of the fine comes days after surveillance camera footage went viral showing a woman in central China's Henan Province being hit by a taxi while on a crosswalk. After being knocked to the ground, she was run over by a second car.
Eighteen people were killed in Beijing and another 21 injured in 37 accidents involving motorists failing stop for crossing pedestrians, according to traffic police records.
(CGTN)
