DRIVE TIME
Traffic woes here not all that bad in global scheme
By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer
So you think traffic is bad on O'ahu? You think it's humbug the way they keep raising fares and transit fees? You think the roads are in really bad shape?
You haven't seen anything until you take a look at the way things are going in the rest of the world. Just a quick glimpse through yesterday's daily traffic and transportation reports, courtesy of the Lexis network, will put things in perspective.
Deaths on rise in China
BEIJING — Chinese police have logged a huge upsurge in traffic accidents, which now ranks as the leading cause of accidental death nationwide.
Last year, 109,363 died in China traffic accidents. Police attribute the surge in accidents to an increase in cars, drivers who disobey traffic rules and people sleeping at the wheel.
— China Daily
Roads few in Pakistan
DHAKA, Pakistan — A main reason behind acute traffic jams in Dhaka is the inadequate number of roads compared to the vehicles plying the thoroughfares at an ever-increasing rate. More than 3 million cars ply the city on an average day, though only 200 kilometers of road are worthy of automotive use.
— The (Dhaka) Independent
More traffic than people
CALGARY, Canada — Traffic in Calgary is rising faster than the population, and the city is about $700 million short of money for its priority projects through 2010.
In 1965, weekday traffic on Calgary roads amounted to 12.4 vehicle miles per person. By 2001, the figure had more than tripled to 44.5 vehicle miles per person.
— Calgary Herald
Crash in Iran kills 23
TEHRAN, Iran — A road accident killed 23 people and injured 16 others in central Iran yesterday. The accident occurred when a minibus was crashed twice by two heavy trucks.
The minivan, which was taking pilgrims to a local religious site, collided head-on with a truck that was traveling in the wrong lane.
— Xinhua News Agency
Ramadan road rage
PESHAWAR, Pakistan — All police leave in Peshawar has been canceled as officials struggle to cope with a massive increase in traffic accidents during November caused by Ramadan road rage.
Officials say traffic accidents in the city soar by as much as 50 percent during the month, mainly as a result of people rushing home at sunset to break the daylong fast during the Muslim holy month.
— United Press International
And that's just for starters. There were more horror stories yesterday from Detroit, Oman, Spain and places on just about every continent (we couldn't spot any traffic problems in Antarctica, but we don't doubt they exist there, too).
Maybe it doesn't make you feel better to know that there are a lot of drivers worse off than you. But at least you'll know that you're not alone when complaining about your morning commute today.
Reach Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.
