Finally, the Beijing Police are attempting to overcome the problem of minor car accidents causing major traffic jams. Accidents as minor as paint scratches can often take more than an hour to resolve because the two parties need to wait until a member of the traffic police arrives to inspect the scene. Beginning from July 1, drivers can fill out a form and take it straight to their insurance company without needing to consult the police. It seems to be a great idea, but I wonder if it’ll be able to cut down on arguments between drivers. On June 14, the China Police Daily published the following report:
Beijing unveils a quick method of dealing with car accidents
China Police Daily, page 1, 14 June 2007
Beginning from July 1, people involved in minor car accidents on Beijing’s roads, such as bingles and scrapes, can fill out the Car Accident Rapid Handling Agreement and directly receive compensation from their insurance company. If drivers cause a traffic jam by not immediately clearing the accident site, then they will be fined 200 yuan by the Public Security Traffic Department.
The Beijing Public Security Traffic Administration Bureau and the Beijing branch of the China Insurance Regulatory Commission held a joint press conference on July 13, announcing that the Car Accident Rapid Handling Method will take effect from July 1. The major change brought about by the new method is that drivers involved in minor accidents no longer need traffic police, but they can directly receive compensation from their insurance company by filling out the agreement.
According to the statistics of the Beijing 122 traffic accident reporting service, 20 per cent of reported traffic jams were caused by traffic accidents.
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