Speeding rich brats a global problem

Comment on the article, "Crackdown on speed monsters" (China Daily May 13)

I think the tragic death of 25-year-old Tan Zhuo, who was hit by a speeding sports car, reflects an international problem with driving licenses.

In the UK (where I come from), a 17-year-old boy or girl can pass the driving test and, money permitting, buy a Lamborghini, Ferrari or any other car capable of reaching speeds of 300 km/hour and higher, and drive it on public roads.

Usually, the problem arises when a youngster driving a car is out with his or her peers. The temptation is to drive more rashly and above the speed limit of safe driving to show off the "wonderful new machine".

One possible solution to the problem is to make more drivers take an "advanced driving test". That's a much harder driving test in the UK, and the examiner is an advanced police-driving instructor. For one thing, the test emphasizes safety and "reading the road ahead". It teaches the candidate to use the gearbox correctly and drive smoothly. Above all, the candidate has to always drive within the speed limit.

If the idea of "advanced test" was adopted everywhere, and if more publicity and incentives (for example, a significant reduction in insurance cost) were given to those taking and passing it, roads would be much safer especially for pedestrians.

I have visited China many times. And I take this opportunity to especially congratulate the bus and taxi drivers, as well as the thousands of bicycle and motorcycle riders because they have a very high standard in my opinion

A.T. Wortley

Via e-mail

Theater software found lacking

I came to Beijing to deliver a lecture at Peking University on May 2, after which I stayed back in the city. On May 4, my wife and I attended a performance of La Boheme by Puccini at the National Theater. We were most impressed by the stylish building, the beauty of the architecture, the interior design and the superb acoustics of the theater.

The performance was a success and ended around 10 pm. We had asked our driver to pick us up at the car park (east zone) after the performance. But when we reached there we couldn't find our car, only to be told by a security guard that no cars were allowed into the car park after 9 pm. So we had to go out of the theater, walk around the extensive area outside the building, and kept looking for our driver. It took us about 10 minutes before we finally located our car.

I think normally, evening performances, including concerts, plays and opera do not end before 9 pm. So I fail to understand why cars are not allowed into the car park after 9 pm to pick up people.

Our hardware is most impressive and world class, and a source of pride. But our software such as management and quality of service still has a long way to go before catching up with world standards.

Ben Wu (Hong Kong)

Via e-mail

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(China Daily 05/21/2009 page9)