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| Reckless Driver Parks on Sidewalk to Avoid Rain, Forcing Pedestrians Into Traffic. |
A viral video recently made its rounds on social media, sparking public outrage. It shows a private car driver in Hong Kong who, during heavy rain, parked his vehicle diagonally on the sidewalk just to avoid getting wet while unloading goods.
His selfish act forced pedestrians off the sidewalk and into the street, putting their safety at serious risk.
The incident happened on the 10th of this month, as the remnants of Typhoon Danas brought intense downpours and severe thunderstorms to southern China’s coast and the northern South China Sea, including Hong Kong.
Amid the storm, instead of prioritizing safety, the driver decided to mount the sidewalk with the rear of his car.
He calmly opened the back seat door and began unloading his cargo, completely blocking pedestrian access.
According to Hong Kong’s Road Traffic (Parking) Regulations, Chapter 374C, Section 9, it is illegal for any driver to leave a vehicle in a manner that endangers other road users.
Violators can be fined up to HK$2,000, which is approximately 4 million rupiah. Clearly, this isn’t just a selfish move—it’s a legal offense.
But beyond the fine, this kind of behavior encourages what experts call the “broken window effect,” where small acts of lawlessness lead to bigger, more widespread violations.
If left unchecked, more drivers may feel entitled to take over sidewalks, turning pedestrian walkways into illegal parking zones.
This trend threatens public safety, especially in dense urban environments where walking is often the only safe option for many.
Law enforcement must take proactive action. Violators should be penalized to send a clear message: sidewalks are for people, not parking.
In a city already grappling with space and safety issues, protecting pedestrian rights should be a top priority.
Takeaway:
Avoiding the rain is never a valid excuse for endangering lives. Road courtesy and safety go hand in hand. It's time to act responsibly—for our own safety and the well-being of everyone around us.