Reckless driving has long been a serious social issue in my country. Taiwanese people are generally kind and friendly, but once they get behind the wheel and step on the gas pedal, everything seems to change.
Forget about how many people have lost their lives on the road over the past several years on our island; the numbers are still shockingly increasing, despite the government’s efforts to warn our people about the risk of reckless, or “irresponsible” driving. People here just don’t care. Traffic incidents/accidents have become part of our daily lives.
There are a couple of explanations behind Taiwan’s dangerous driving:
1. People here are always in a hurry: Most Taiwanese drivers are impatient; the faster, the better. They would not waste a single second waiting for pedestrians to cross the street, even if it’s time for them to pass.
2. The problem of “drunk driving” and “drug driving” is getting more serious: Mainly because of our judicial inefficacy that fails to protect the normal citizen.
3. A super-aged society: Taiwan has become a rapidly aging society with older citizens nearly everywhere, including on the road. Many of them overestimate their driving abilities, becoming unsafe drivers without realizing the danger and threat they may pose. (One of the limitations and drawbacks of Taiwan’s legal system is that people over 80 can be spared the penalty, which is certainly a legal loophole.)
4. Taiwanese people are generally seen as nice and polite, and as a Taiwanese myself, I agree with that. However, I must also point out a growing trend of increasingly intolerant behavior among our people. It’s pretty sad, but somehow, we all have to learn this truth, this hard truth.
In conclusion, Taiwan’s traffic issues reflect deeper social, legal, and cultural challenges. Until we address these problems honestly and comprehensively, the roads will still remain unsafe—not just for drivers, but for everyone. For those who might be curious about my country, these are my own thoughts and opinions on what’s happening here, and hopefully, things can change in the future.