LUOHU traffic police handled 84 minor accidents that didn’t involve injuries or fatalities in the past week using the new Internet-based remote-controlled system.

    For those drivers who weren’t familiar with the system, Luohu traffic police sent officers to the scene to show them how to complete an application.

    In an accident Friday, the Luohu traffic police commanding center sent officer Ai Lijun to handle the collision between a taxi and a private car on Bao’an Road South.

    “After the accident, I took photos and tried to use the system, but failed. I learned how from police officers,” said the cab driver, surnamed Liu.

    According to Ai, drivers can find the Remote System feature through the WeChat ID: szjjwx, and they can follow the instructions to upload their photos, driver’s licenses, vehicle licenses and insurance information.

    “After uploading the information, the drivers will receive text messages to confirm their responsibilities and guide the compensation,” said Ai.

    The text messages showed that Liu had committed a violation while making a turn and was held fully responsible for the accident. The electronic confirmation letter was then sent to the insurance company, which will allot the compensation online.

    “This remote system helps save time and trouble for drivers, and ensures the rights of both drivers,” praised Liu, who had been a cab driver for more than 10 years.

    Police have established strict rules regarding compensation. The victim involved in an accident can call 8446-9122 if the other side fails to provide compensation or intentionally defers payment.

    The Shenzhen traffic police commanding center will call the defendant within 24 hours to order the defendant to provide compensation within three work days, or police will put the defendant’s information into its system, which empowers officers on the road to impound his/her car and impose 5,000-20,000 yuan (US$726-2,906) in fines. The defendant’s information will also be included in the personal credit system.

    “The Internet-based system has been gaining popularity over the past week. Some problems still exist, such as clarity of the uploaded photos,” said Yang Jinlin, who is a police officer with the Luohu traffic police commanding center.

    Those residents who help drivers use the system for two accidents can get a reward of 100 yuan, with a ceiling of 500 yuan a month.

    Police will observe a three-month trial period, during which officers will be sent to the scene to guide the two sides in how to use the remote system.

    After three months, drivers who fail to use the system to handle accidents, causing congestion, will be punished. Police are considering the use of facial recognition and video taking technologies for the system and want to introduce an upgraded version before the end of May.

    (Han Ximin)