It's a stunning figure but it's true. Every year, 60,000 people die on China's roads; that's one every 10 minutes. But the latest figures from China's Public Security Ministry show that the numbers of traffic accidents in 2013 were the lowest recorded in the country in two decades. Some believe it's a result of what many people have called the "the toughest ever traffic laws". These laws began to be enforced from the start of last year.
From running red lights to overspeeding.
Chinese lawmakers decided some time back that there wouldn’t be too many "second chances" for what many believe are minor offences.
Starting from 2013, China’s traffic laws were toughened. Running red lights twice a year, for example, now leads to confiscation of the driving licence.
Drunk drivers meanwhile, once caught, now face criminal charges.
"As a professional driver, I have to drive year round and violations are unavoidable. The heavy penalty means 12 points are stripped off my licence. Sometimes I have good reasons for running red lights.” Taxi driver said.
But toughening up the laws seems to have worked in terms of making the roads safer.
The number of major traffic accidents in 2013 fell to the lowest level since 1990.
Compared to the previous year, there was a huge 20 percent drop in major traffic accidents.
And for the first time in history, the number of extra serious accidents were reduced to zero during the major national holidays.
Reporter: "These numbers are not just dry figures. They mean that fewer people are casualties on China’s roads. But what is even more stunning about them is that they come in 2013, which also recorded the highest numbers of cars ever on Chinese roads."
But many say the tighter laws have focussed more on drivers and done little to deter the "Chinese style road crossings" by pedestrians and cyclists. They also contribute to the risks on the road.
Police have tried to catch and fine them... But some seem have big issues with that.
The general opinion though seems that while heavier punishment is a deterrent, what’s really needed is genuine public awareness of traffic safety.