THE story of Shenzhen driver Zhu Yubo, who potentially saved a woman and child by forcing a suspicious car to stop on a regional expressway Feb. 3, has sparked heated debate among the public.

    Some have said his behavior was courageous and righteous while others have questioned whether he had the right to stop someone else’s car.

    Zhu has said he’s proud of his actions despite strong opposition from his family and the fact that the woman and child did not thank him afterward.

    He said he would extend a helping hand again should a similar incident occur.

    Zhu was on his way home to Meizhou on Meishan Expressway when he saw the woman crying for help inside the car, which the driver was operating without headlights even though it was nighttime. Zhu called police and overtook the car. The two cars had several collisions before they both stopped.

    Zhu, a 27-year-old social worker, had to pay for repairs to his damaged car after the incident.

    Police said the driver of the suspicious car, surnamed Liu, had lost control of himself after quarreling with his wife on their way to Fengshun in Guangdong Province. Liu bit his wife and their son was in the car, police said.

    Zhu said after he forced the car to stop, police officers came and brought Liu under control. Zhu’s car should have been held for legal procedures, but he was in a hurry so he left his phone number before leaving. Police later told Zhu he couldn’t receive compensation for damages because he didn’t report the incident to his insurance company.

    Many netizens have staunchly supported Zhu, saying he was courageous and kind, but have added that they wouldn’t have stopped in such a situation out of concern for their safety or for their car.

    Li Guangqun, head of the legislative office of the city’s traffic police bureau, said Zhu deserves praise for acting with good intentions, but forcing a car to stop is not recommended.

    Traffic laws clearly state that people who illegally intercept or obstruct vehicles, causing serious traffic jams or significant liability losses, are subject to detention of 15 days or a fine of 2,000 yuan (US$327). Laws also state that no one except police officers can intercept vehicles on expressways.

    Li said in this situation, it would have been better for Zhu to simply continue following the car until police arrived.

    Li said residents should not resort to force and should think about safety first. Courage is admirable, Li said, but wisdom mixed with caution can often minimize injuries and yield better results.

    “It’s dangerous to stop a car when you are not aware of the situation in the car,” Li said. “If there is a gun, you will be in greater danger.”

    Li suggested that citizens encountering such situations call police first. People can also assist police by reporting information such as vehicle descriptions and locations. If a suspicious driver leaves a car and runs away, residents should not give chase.

    (Xu Shicong)