They love to immitate the US for many things here in China (despite the often public shows of disagreement showing otherwise) – and traffic rules are no exception. The tall overhead signs; high traffic lights; cars marking each other at big junctions like a game of chess… all are visible N. American imports on the streets here in Beijing. And whilst the quality of roads here in the capital are generally excellent the drivers, unfortunately, leave a lot to be desired.
The ‘turn right on a red light’ rule is, in my opinion, a good rule. It eases traffic flow and reduces waiting time for drivers when oncoming traffic (or lack of) is clearly visible. But this just does not work in China! The thought that drivers here would bother to give way to pedestrians & cyclists (or in some cases, even cars) is laughable, and to additionally have the pedestrian lights green on the adjacent junction is just asking for trouble.
I also question the wise decision on some junctions to have three lanes in alternating directions. Without dividers between the roads, one can only expect chaos as a result. It’s a surprise I have yet to spot an accident on one such junction near to me. But that said, I will give Chinese drivers some credit: they may be terrible at understanding traffic rules and exercising patience – but they’ve certainly got skill. Driving here is like navigating a mine field (with moving mines)… and at that, they seem pretty good at dodging!