The number of drivers in Shanghai, which stood at 2,002,687 as of last month, continues to grow by 9,000 every month, according to Guo Ji of the city's police traffic control team.

"We predict the number will still grow," said Guo, attributing the rapid increase in the number of people earning their license to the city's rapid economic development and local residents' enthusiasm for driving.

Currently, there are nearly 20,000 licensed drivers in the city over the age of 60. Previously, the city wouldn't issue a license to any over 60, but regulations have been relaxed with the age limit pushed back to 70.

About 88 percent of the new drivers are between 21 and 49 years old, many of whom are young white-collar workers who dream of buying their private cars, officers said.

In the early 1990s, most people taking tests for a driver license were hoping to get jobs as corporate drivers or in taxi companies. The recent interest in getting a license, however, is the result of a buying spree for private cars.

College students eager to pad their resumes in an increasingly tough job market also account for a large number of those taking driving classes, according to police.

Although the city witnessed an increase in the number of new drivers in recent years, the number of traffic accidents has declined, according to police.

A total of 46,733 accidents occurred in the city last year, killing 1,398 people and injuring 15,585. That represents a decrease of 106 deaths and 166 injuries from 2001.

Police did note, however, that new drivers account for a large number of those accidents. About 38 percent of the city's drivers have been licensed for less than three years.

During holidays and weekends, many new drivers rent cars for an outing, leading to many accidents, they added.

Nearly 9,000 traffic accidents last year were linked to new drivers, leading to 198 deaths.

During this year's Spring Festival, there were 12 major traffic accidents, killing 12 people. All of those accidents involved drivers with less than three years of experience.

The growing number of new drivers on the streets has also led to an increase in traffic jams, police say.

The city is currently waging a war on traffic jams, but doesn't plan to limit the number of people who can earn a license.

In the ongoing battle, the traffic police team will focus on stopping illegal parking and clearing up minor accidents quickly this year.

Roadside parking will be strictly restrained in nine downtown districts. Officers said they will establish a guiding system citywide, making it easy for drivers to find parking lots, while any car illegally parked along roads and causing a traffic jam will be towed away.

Officers pledged to enforce the "fast accident handling mode," in which drivers are required to drive away from an accident site within five minutes if it's just a small bump involving one or two vehicles.

(eastday.com April 15, 2003)