In a practice that is left-over from the iron rice bowl days, many companies provide their employees with their noon meal and transportation to and from their work place. Its a practical solution and common practice. Yesterday's tragedy was reminder of what we are often reluctant to discuss openly here. The roads in this country are treacherous.
In 2004 it was estimated there were 300 traffic fatalities a day in China (China Daily 12 April 2004). More recent estimates put that number at 600. According to the website: chinaurbantransport.com, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death in China for the 15 - 45 year old age bracket.
Its not the first time we've known of auto accidents in China. Not the first time such accidents have touched close to home or our hearts. Not the first, and probably not the last. It was just there again, the 800 pound gorilla breathing silently in the corner reminding us to buckle up, drive slowly, and take a train or plane whenever possible. And for a day or two anyway, people will talk about it.
1 comment:
I'm sorry to hear about this accident. Road safety is often on my mind since we take company provided transport to work everyday. Our usual driver isn't much more than 20 years old and just doesn't really understand why we are freaking out everyday. Since he knows nothing else, I guess he thinks it is normal for other cars to be driving in our lane, head-on towards us. Sigh.
Because our company has grown rapidly, there isn't always enough room on the bus for everyone to ride home. Instead of waiting for the bus to make a second run, many employees just crowd on board, sitting on each other laps or just standing in the aisles. I really fear for what would happen if the bus were involved in an accident.
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