Drama on the highway
To the editor:
Accidents are an interesting part of the day. Most troopers will tell you that accidents are the results of mistakes. And those same troopers have a large collection of tales about what led to scratched paint. Here in China accidents are common. With the new found wealth and the push to modernize, the highways, streets, alleys, sidewalks, and roadways are fair game for people learning how to travel.
Accidents happen. It was early in the morning on the weekend for Guangzhou. Early morning and sunny. Walking back from a quick trip to downtown led to crossing the street. In the newly constructed zones of the city, divided highways and well marked intersections are now the norm. However, the educated drivers are only beginning to appreciate this new luxury. Stop lights are notorious for interfering with the smooth flow of traffic. Thinking about this I heard the unmistakable sound of a bump.
Buses are part of the urban landscape. Two buses were stopped in the turning lane. Lots of yelling and gesturing was going on. Nothing like live entertainment at 9 o’clock in the morning. It seems that one bus was slower and as a result there was a small bump. Engines on Chinese buses are in the back. Driver of Bus A was inspecting his engine and Driver B was discussing the parentage of Driver A. Bus B had a crack in its windshield.
City bus versus private bus collisions in the U.S. even when empty usually mean an hour or two as various investigative agencies get involved. The scene is roped off, pictures taken, statements collected, and then the wreckers. Things are slightly different here in China. 9:05 in the morning and the traffic officer arrives. Both drivers were commenting on who got the better deal from Sears and Roebuck for driver’s licenses. In China when the police officer puts on the white hat it is ticket time.
So, two buses in a fender bender, two irate drivers discussing the events, one large cop yelling at both drivers and a buildup of traffic. Unlike the traffic rules in America, accident scenes are not prohibited spaces. The officer directed the two drivers to the cruiser and proceeded to take the statements and fill out the report. Traffic started to move around the scene. One driver, anxious to get ahead dashed between the two buses. Watching a needle being threaded would count as interesting. This was hilarious. The driver of the car had the temerity to honk at the cop who was in the way. The cop moved aside.
Drivers were handed their paperwork and both vehicles were driven off to lick their scratches and wait for another day. Time 9:15 in the morning on a beautiful sunny day.
Orpheus Allison
Guangzhou, China
orpheusallison@mac.com
