TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In the wake of a tragic bus collision in Taipei that claimed a pedestrian's life, Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) announced on Monday (Nov. 18) a comprehensive plan to tighten regulations on large vehicles and enhance lighting at pedestrian crossings. The incident, involving two buses, has intensified scrutiny on pedestrian safety measures across the city.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) Legislator Lin Chun-hsien (林俊憲) criticized Taiwan's pedestrian safety, calling it a "pedestrian hell." According to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC, 交通部), nighttime pedestrian fatalities are 50% to twice as high as those during the day.
Lin highlighted inadequate lighting at pedestrian crossings, urging a comprehensive review of existing regulations. Statistics reveal a consistent pattern of higher nighttime traffic fatalities. In 2022, there were 66 nighttime incidents resulting in deaths within 24 hours, compared to 25 during the day. The trend persisted in 2023, with 55 nighttime incidents and 40 during the day.
Lin advocated adopting measures from countries like South Korea and Singapore, which use speed bumps to slow vehicles. He also criticized government spending on road improvements, suggesting a focus on making pedestrian areas safer rather than advising pedestrians to wear bright clothing and wave their hands while crossing.
In response, Chen confirmed that improving pedestrian crossing lighting is part of the agenda and emphasized the ministry's commitment to collaborating with the Taipei City Government to refine large vehicle regulations. Additionally, the ministry will focus on enhancing safety at 799 high-risk intersections nationwide.