TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Growing concerns have emerged among pedestrians and drivers in Taiwan regarding traffic accidents involving large vehicles, particularly buses.
Data from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications' "Road Safety" website reveals that tens of thousands of people have been killed or injured in such accidents annually over the past four years.
Compared to 2021, 2022 witnessed a slight increase of 0.4% in these incidents.
The head of the Taipei City Police Department's Traffic Accident Processing Unit, Wang Ya-pei, explained, "Most accidents primarily occur due to negligence during lane changes or turns, as well as failing to maintain a safe distance between vehicles."
"These two factors stand out as the main causes of accidents."
According to Wang, the presence of blind spots in large vehicles, especially during turns, poses a significant risk to pedestrians and scooter riders who may be standing or parked nearby.
To mitigate this issue, authorities have been actively promoting road safety regulations, and many buses are now equipped with exterior cameras to help minimize blind spots.
Nevertheless, statistics indicate an average of 131 cases per year over the past 12 years where buses have been involved in accidents while making turns.
This suggests the need for a comprehensive approach that involves redesigning roads and updating traffic signals.
"In terms of design, it is important to restrict buildings and structures from being constructed too close to the road," said Lin Wen-yuan, dean of Ming Chuan University's Department of Urban Planning and Disaster Management.
"This measure helps to prevent the obstruction of views for pedestrians and turning vehicles."
Experts recommend creating dedicated lanes for larger vehicles and installing traffic lights that prioritize pedestrian crossings, reducing the likelihood of vehicle interference.
Furthermore, it is essential to incorporate comprehensive lessons on traffic regulations into school curriculums to educate children about safe road-crossing practices and raise awareness about drivers' blind spots.
By implementing these road designs and policies, Taiwan aims to reduce the number of traffic accidents, ensuring safer conditions for all road users.
