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Q: Would you feel comfortable driving in Beijing, China?
For me I wouldn't feel comfortable driving in the streets of Beijing. I see many motorists not following traffic laws. I feel more comfortable riding on a bus than I do in a taxi sometimes.
Plus, there was an accident somewhere in Beijing and it had killed many passengers particularly a bunch of school kids. The driver admitted that the traffic here is very bad and that motorists drive poorly.
I wouldn't want to take my chances! I've seen enough bad motorists on the streets in North Carolina, U.S.A!
12 years 24 weeks ago in Transport & Travel - Beijing
I do not live in Beijing, so I do not know present driving conditions there.
I will answer you because I do live elsewhere in China, and have been driving bikes, electrical scooters and cars here for over a year without a problem. Yes, I do drive in a TOTAL DEFENSIVE MODE, avoid packs, and so far, not even a close call.
And also yes, I do expect other drives to do the unexpected, because with honking their horns they feel free to do as they please, and you better be prepared to stop fast. Like making a right hand turn from a center lane on a 4 lane each way avenue, or entering a main avenue from s aside street without looking or stopping first.
If you assume no one yields here, the law of who drives the bigger one is the rule of the land, smaller cars get out of their way. It is challenging, but if you are from USA and have driven in NYC, then there is not much difference here.
if you have driven in countries like india and nepal, driving here is piese of cake...
I'm glad I don't have to drive here. I didn't even like driving back home.
I dont think I would drive in the big cities but the smaller out of the way ones are ok
also not knowing your way around a city has its own problems and creates stress.
belive it or not I think that the general flow of traffic is better than at home due to they drive slower in China than Australia.
and its organised Kaos not just bloody mined hurry to wait Kaos
the other day I saw a guy with a mattress on the roof of his car with no ropes on it
he was just holding it with one hand.
Then I remembered I was on the Gold Coast not in China
HappyExPat:
I solved that problem with a 10 Rmb compass. When going somewhere, I see which direction I am traveling, returning is easier because I aim the car or whatever I am using the other way. So far, it has helped me a lot, and also allowed me to really get to know the city. Being a former sailor I also guess helps me get oriented pretty fast.
I have driven in Guangzhou, Wuhan, Dalian and other cities for over 5 years now. Plenty of close calls, but not a single accident or ticket. Driving, as Happy Expat said has to be Totally Defensive in order to survive. But once you get the hang of expecting totally random stuff to happen it is pretty easy.
I have to admit that public transport is a better prospect than owning a car in China
at home a car is a nessecity as the public transport is second rate.
and a 30 cent bus ride in Beijing is the best roller coaster meets dodgem car ive ever been on
I am a taxi driver and have more than 16 years driving experience in Beijing City.As my opinion:
Driving in Beijing was not a comfortable, this is because Beijing has more than five million motor vehicles.
Although Beijing government restraints on measures, but daily still more than four million vehicles in the streets of Beijing.
Beijing drivers driving skills residual not neat, and even some beginners, we call them the street killer. If it is to catch up with rush hour, that's horrible!
So, advise you don't try.You'd better to by public transport or subway.
