A draft amendment to China's driving license rules drew public attention to how to realize disabled people's right of driving, according to a leading Web site Tuesday.
According to a report issued by www. people.com.cn, run by Communist Party's newspaper People's Daily, many netizens disagreed with the police that the disabled should drive "cars specially made for the disabled." The Web site divided suggestions from posters into several categories,
"Some argued that the number of disabled drivers will not be large and specially making cars for them will lead to higher costs for car makers -- which will in turn increase the price for everyone," the report said.
The Ministry of Public Security issued the draft amendment of driving license regulations to solicit public opinions from July 9 to 20.
The draft included new measures to allow more disabled people to have driving licenses, including the hearing-disabled.
Netizens preferred cars "equipped with driving assistance devices," the report said. This means the disabled can drive any cars with such device instead of only a certain kind of cars.
The draft regulation also bans ordinary drivers from driving cars specially made for the disabled.
"Netizens argued that this may stop family members from driving the cars, so families of the disabled may have to buy another car," the report said.
At a forum on the Web site, more than 1,000 posts were left to discuss the draft amendment.
"Great news! Us deaf people are finally allowed to drive," said a post at the forum.
According to the draft, the hearing-disabled can apply for licenses if they wear hearing aids and pass hearing tests.
In the draft, those with disabled right leg or both legs are also allowed to sit behind the wheel, but they must pass health examinations. The present regulation only allows those with disabled left legs to drive.
Netizens raised a number of suggestions to the authorities.
Some netizens frowned upon the compulsory labelling of a disabled driver as it may violate privacy and dignity of the disabled. Instead, they suggest the drivers carry their handicapped license and present it when required.
They also suggested that the police reduce the frequency of health examinations from once a year to every three-to-five years.
Many posts called for allowing people with arm or finger disabilities to drive.
"I've got four fingers amputated but never felt different from others. I could drive even without assistance equipment," said a post.
At the annual session in March of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, Shan Jianming, submitted his proposal to lawmakers online, calling for the disabled's right to drive.
Zhang Haidi, chairperson of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, said, "The disabled drivers have very good records in other countries. They cause fewer car accidents because they tend to be more self-protective."
"Driving is one of their dreams and we should help make it come true," she said.
(Xinhua News Agency July 21, 2009)
