Last Updated on 2025 年 10 月 27 日 by 総合編集組
Understanding Taiwan’s Traffic Chaos: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue
Taiwan’s roads are often described as chaotic, earning the infamous label “Pedestrian Hell” from international media and travelers. This article simplifies the complex issue of Taiwan’s traffic problems, explaining why the roads feel like an adventure game and how they impact safety and the country’s image. Written in a way that even a young reader can understand, it draws on global perspectives and offers solutions to make Taiwan’s roads safer.
Why Taiwan’s Roads Feel Like a Game Imagine playing a video game where cars, scooters, and pedestrians move unpredictably, and you must stay alert to avoid collisions. That’s how many foreigners describe Taiwan’s roads. The main culprit? Scooters—millions of them! Taiwan has around 14 million scooters, buzzing through streets like a swarm of bees. They weave through traffic, sometimes ride on sidewalks, and make walking feel like a risky mission. This unpredictability creates a “survival game” vibe, where everyone must stay hyper-aware to stay safe.
What Foreigners Say About Taiwan’s Traffic Travelers from various countries share similar concerns about Taiwan’s roads, highlighting scooters and disregard for pedestrian rights. Here’s a look at what they say:
- Canada: The Canadian government warns its citizens to avoid riding scooters in Taiwan, calling their behavior “extremely reckless.” They suggest using overpasses to stay safe from scooters that might zoom onto sidewalks.
- United States: The U.S. State Department notes that drivers often ignore pedestrian rights, with some running red lights, especially right after they change. Pedestrians feel like they’re playing dodgeball, constantly watching for cars.
- Japan: Japanese travelers observe that Taiwan’s driving culture prioritizes vehicles over pedestrians. Even on sidewalks, they must watch for scooters, making walking feel like navigating a maze with hidden dangers.
- United Kingdom: The UK highlights scooters weaving through traffic like “ninjas,” warning that cars may not stop at crosswalks. This makes crossing streets a tense experience.
- Australia: Australians find Taiwan’s roads chaotic but note that drivers aren’t aggressive, just unaware of their surroundings due to poor driving education.
- France: Experts compare Taiwan’s poorly designed roundabouts to a “broken carousel,” causing confusion and reducing safety. Unlike France’s clear roundabout rules, Taiwan’s are inconsistent.
- Germany: Germany focuses less on traffic chaos and more on Taiwan’s potential to improve roads with technology, like electric vehicles, but acknowledges safety issues.
These global perspectives show a pattern: scooters and unclear rules make Taiwan’s roads challenging for visitors and locals alike.
Why Is Taiwan’s Traffic So Chaotic? Several factors contribute to Taiwan’s traffic woes, explained here with simple analogies:
- Too Many Scooters: With 14 million scooters, Taiwan’s streets are like a crowded ant colony. Scooters are convenient but often break rules, like riding on sidewalks, making roads feel chaotic.
- Driving Tests Need Improvement: Taiwan’s driving tests focus on parking skills, not real-road scenarios. It’s like learning to ride a bike in a yard but never on a street. New drivers may lack the skills to handle busy roads safely.
- Confusing Road Designs: Some roads, especially roundabouts, have unclear signs or outdated rules, like a puzzle with missing pieces. This confuses drivers and increases risks.
- Rule-Breaking Culture: Many drivers and riders ignore traffic lights or turn without signaling, like players in a game who don’t follow the rules, making it hard for everyone to stay safe.
The Impact of Chaotic Traffic Taiwan’s traffic issues have serious consequences:
- Safety Risks: Taiwan’s traffic death rate is about 12.6 per 100,000 people, much higher than Japan’s 2.1. Scooter riders account for 62% of these deaths, showing they’re the most vulnerable group.
- Tourism Challenges: Foreigners love Taiwan’s culture and food, but chaotic roads make them hesitant to visit. It’s like going to a fun amusement park but finding it too crowded to enjoy.
- Time Wastage: In cities like Taichung, traffic jams can slow cars to 10 km/h during peak hours, wasting time like being stuck in a long, slow line.
How Can Taiwan Fix Its Roads? The good news? Taiwan can make its roads safer with practical steps:
- Teach Better Rules: Run campaigns to encourage drivers to respect pedestrians and follow traffic lights, like teaching kids to take turns in a game.
- Improve Driving Tests: Make driving tests include real-road practice, like learning to swim in a pool before diving into the sea.
- Fix Road Designs: Clarify signs and modernize roundabouts, like organizing a messy room so everything is easy to find.
- Protect Pedestrians and Riders: Add barriers to separate sidewalks from roads and build more overpasses, like creating safe paths in a busy playground.
Conclusion: A Safer, Happier Taiwan Taiwan’s roads may feel like an adventure game now, but with effort, they can become safe and welcoming. By addressing scooters, improving driver education, and fixing road designs, Taiwan can shed the “Pedestrian Hell” label and boost its global image. Imagine streets where walking feels like a stroll in a park, not a risky mission. With these changes, Taiwan can make its roads a source of pride, inviting more visitors to explore its beauty safely.
