Global Times reported that new “3D zebra crosswalks” have been implemented to prevent rash driving and improve public safety when crossing the street. While we don’t know exactly why they were given the 3D zebra crosswalk name, as they bear no resemblance to the African equid, nor do they stand out or up when compared to your normal, or more 2D, crosswalk.
So far these experimental crossing areas have only been put into use on busy roads in Fengtai and Haidian Districts, so that traffic authorities can monitor whether or not it makes a difference in curbing dangerous driving at these intersections. Dangerous driving is no doubt a citywide occurrence, so we welcome any innovation if it can help.

As can be seen from the photos, from a driver’s perspective these shapes would appear elevated, mimicking the sight of a physical barrier. While we aren’t entirely convinced whether this is safe or a hazard to both drivers and pedestrians, the city will also await the outcome of this experiment before rolling it out at intersections around the entire city.

So far traffic wardens have been pleased with the results, though further testing is required regarding their impact on slowing down cars at these intersections. We still think it would work better if these “3D zebra patterns” actually looked like the zebras from the Serengeti Plains.

The creative display is part of a citywide attempt to better enforce traffic rules. So far it has been reported that over 27,700 tickets were issued to drivers who have violated traffic laws since June 12. In a city of nearly 6 million cars, and when you consider the amount of traffic violations we see on a daily basis, we would say jiāyóu, and hope that the crackdown on improper vehicle piloting continues.

Photos: qianlong.com, thedailystar.net

Beijing has joined Shanghai and other cities in regulation the use of the self-balancing electric scooters might see these scooters classified as motor vehicles that should be registered with traffic authority according to a report in the China Daily. The scooters will only be private use and are not allowed on the roads and could penalties such as fines. The scooter has been termed as a major threat to orderly traffic and the safety risks it poses to riders as most people don’t use helmets or pads.

The popularity of these scooters had soared as they can reach speed of 20km per hour and the added benefits of the portability, of not having to think about parking fees and where to park, also the fact that all it needed to navigate is to shift the weight to make it turn.

The scooter’s use in shopping malls by security guards are increased as they could cover more ground when on patrol and reach emergency sites faster. The exact penalties to be issued will be structured later on.

Photo:Pixbay

A near-drowning at a Beijing pool over the weekend has once again highlighted the need for safety awareness, and public CPR and first aid training.

Theresa Ahdieh, former brand manager for beijingkids, was visiting the public swimming pool at Qingnian Hu Park near Andingmen, with her husband, her son Ty, and other friends. Ahdieh requires her son to always swim with a buddy, to wear a bright-colored swim cap, and to always be able to see one or both of his parents while swimming.

"The kids were not doing buddies that well, and there were so many people there," Ahdieh said, estimating a crowd of about 200 that day. She walked to the pool’s edge to be able to see her son more easily. However, others in attendance told her not to worry, that it was safe and there were lifeguards on duty.

"Not five minutes after my friends told me to relax, the lifeguards are on duty, we see a girl on the side of the pool, lying on the deck, and an older woman pushing on her chest," Ahdieh said. As she approached the scene, she could see that the girl had an oxygen tube inserted in her nose, and that the woman attempting to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was doing so improperly, said Ahdieh, who received CPR and first aid training in the United States.

"Then the lifeguards picked [the girl]up from the knees and shook her upside down to get the water out," Ahdieh said. At this point she intervened, rolling the child, who like many near-drowning victims had begun to regurgitate, on her side. Ahdieh performed a finger sweep to clear mucus and other foreign matter out of the airway, and then called to the child in English. "Her eyes fluttered," she said, at which point some of the Chinese bystanders began calling to the child in Chinese. She then opened her eyes and appeared to breathe on her own. Lifeguards then placed the girl on a stretcher and took her out of the pool area, Ahdieh said. She did not know the ultimate outcome of the emergency, she said.

A moderator from the popular automotive website XCar was also at the pool Saturday, and posted photos of the incident on the forum.

The moderator stated that the water in the pool is 1.3 meters deep. He described the girl as being 1.5 meters tall, "no lifeguards were immediately found, several foreigners were assisting," he writes. The moderator also wrote that the girl opened her eyes and began breathing on her own.

Unintentional drowning among children remains a serious problem. Almost 4,000 people per year died between 2005-2009 in the United States from drowning and boating-related incidents, and one in five of those were 14 or younger.

Ahdieh recommends that parents follow her protocol for swimming in pools: wear bright-colored swim caps, not black or dark blue; swim with a buddy, and move with that buddy, in or out of the water; tell a parent or guardian if they are going into the water or moving to another area; and children should keep their parent or guardian in sight at all times. If the child can see the parent, the parent can see them too, she said.

Both beijingkids and Beijing United Family Hospital looked at summer safety in May 2013. A fact sheet from the US Centers for Disease Control on reducing drowning risk can be found here. A complete list of CPR and first aid training programs in Beijing was published in the 2013-2014 beijingkids Health Guide.

Disclosure: Steven Schwankert, the executive editor of the Beijinger and beijingkids parent company True Run Media, is an instructor trainer for Emergency First Response, an international CPR and first aid training organization.

This post first appeared on thebeijinger.com on July 22, 2014.

Photo: The Beijinger

This time last year, Beijing was recovering from some of the worst floods in its history. This year, the skies have been dry, but instead we have had two serious stabbing incidents, explosions at the airport and a bakery, and a fire at major retail center. Nerves are a little frayed in the capital.

Fear not, or not too much, said Officer Sun from the Jianwai Police Station, who offered tips for addressing public safety incidents in a telephone interview.

Officer Sun suggested avoiding large crowds. "Try not to go to places that are too crowded. If you happen to be in a crowded place, pay attention to the environment, especially people’s facial expressions. Try to go out in groups of at least two or more."

If a violent incident or accident occurs, "Don’t stand around and watch, get to safety first. If there is an incident such a robbery or a violent act, do not try to catch or fight with the perpetrator. Your personal safety must take first priority," Officer Sun said.

"Call 110 when you are in trouble, and there will be English-speaking operators who can understand you and your case will be forwarded to foreign affairs officers, they all speak English," he said. Foreign residents of Beijing should also "be sure to save a couple of your Chinese co-workers’ or friends’ telephone numbers in your phone, you will probably need their help when something goes wrong."

While the recent incidents were serious, Officer Sun said that they are out of the ordinary. "The cases that happened in the past few days are just odd incidents, we hope residents do not panic because of these rare cases."

He advised common sense and maintaining a sense of awareness. "If you drive, make sure to lock the doors when you get in; when you are opening the car door, make sure you are not followed and that there are no suspicious individuals near you."

Lastly, "Watch your wallets and your iPhones," Officer Sun offered as a final bit of advice.

This article first appeared in the beijinger.

Photo courtesy the beijinger

Despite the number of registered cars in Beijing reaching 5 million in February – 11 months later than predicted – experts predict that by 2012, the number of registered cars on the road will reach a whopping 6 million.

As of last year, police put a traffic lottery in place to limit the number of cars on the road. This meant that people requiring a number plate had to wait until they were selected by the process.

In 2010, the average monthly increase in registered new cars was 66,000, according to the article. But despite these efforts to decrease the number of cars, the annual quota means that the number of cars on the road by 2012 is set to hit 6 million.

Photo by beggs via Flickr