China lawmakers discuss dangerous driving at bimonthly session

Lawmakers on Friday deliberated on a draft amendment to the Criminal Law, including provisions for dangerous driving, at a panel discussion of top legislature's ongoing bimonthly session.

Some lawmakers expressed support for the draft, which says drivers of overloaded school buses may face incarceration and fines.

Those driving school buses at a speed that exceeds the designated limit, as well as the owners and managers responsible for the services, could also face the same punishment, according to the draft.

The draft amendment was submitted to National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee for deliberation during the session, which runs from June 24 to July 1.

Some lawmakers hoped that drug driving would also be included in the draft. The current law does list drunk driving as a crime.

Shen Yueyue, vice-chairwoman of the NPC Standing Committee, proposed that driving under the influence of drugs was as dangerous as drunk driving.

"Listing drug driving as a crime will deter drug addicts," Shen said.

Lawmaker Yang Zhen echoed Shen's opinion, saying drug driving could lead to major incidents.

China had 2.95 million registered drug addicts at the end of 2014, but the real number is thought to exceed 14 million, the Ministry of Public Security said on Wednesday.

Other subjects of Friday's panel discussions included punishments for terrorist activities and those that disturb the peace at medical centers. Endi