Traffic, what traffic?

Hang on, there's traffic in China? This is the scene outside my apartment complex during peak hour every night, between Peking (affectionately known as Beida) and Tsinghua Universities. I think Chinese drivers have a bit of a problem when it comes to staying in one straight lane, too.

I haven't as of yet been killed as a result of notorious beijing driving (probably becuase its going too slow, what with all the vehicles on the road) but I've finally found the solution to gaining respect on the road. Much like any traffic system, there is a pecking order of rule. In most modernized countries, the peak of that order are known as traffic lights. In China, its known as size. The bigger you are, the more right of way you have. Thus, the human gives way to bicycle, who in turn gives way to horse, to car, to truck, to bus, you get my drift. I guess the rationale is that they're more likely to mow you down than you are them, so respect brother.

So I've managed to circumvent this system by ignoring that traffic exists and to hell with it by just crossing the damn road whilst keeping an eye on my tail. They usually stop short of hitting you. Giving way usually doesnt work too well, becuase you end up standing there for too long while everyone just takes advantage. Another tactic for the uninitiated traveller in china is to follow a native chinese closely, safety in numbers.

Also another thing strange about the way the road works in China is that in the event of a car accident, if your car were to be hit then you pay for the total damage. What kind of thinking is this?? we asked our chinese teacher. It used to be that the two drivers would get out and argue in the middle of the street whilst a crowd would gather round as silent witness. If you were a young man up against a daydreaming old grandmama, you were surely bound to lose out while she burst into tears. She was certain to be in the right due to her age, stature, and weaker sex. But now the chinese are car mad and this method is just not as efficient anymore. So the deciding factor now is the idea that you didnt get your car out of the way in time to avoid a crash, my friend, so you're the one liable.

I kind of like the way it summarises Chinese thinking: everyone watches their own rear and if you're not quick enough to see it coming, its at your own risk.