CNBC AI Exclusive | May 21 – A viral video from Anqing, Anhui Province, has sparked discussions about driver education protocols and automotive safety after a driving school trainee lost control of a vehicle during a practice session on May 19. The incident saw the car smash through a training facility’s guardrails before barreling over 30 meters into a nearby Geely dealership, according to eyewitness accounts. Remarkably, no injuries were reported, though the vehicle was deemed likely totaled.
Footage of the aftermath shows scattered debris from the guardrails and the automatic transmission training vehicle—a model without a clutch—that accelerated uncontrollably after the trainee reportedly confused the accelerator for the brake pedal. Industry analysts note that such errors, while rare, highlight gaps in safety oversight at training facilities, particularly as China’s driving school market expands alongside rising car ownership.
Online commentary ranged from humor to legal analysis. Quipped one social media user: “This student might’ve been a little *too* eager to buy a Geely.” Another added: “Failing the driving test might just cost you a new car.” The incident also ignited debates over liability, with netizens pointing to regulations requiring driving schools and instructors—not trainees—to cover accident-related damages, often through specialized insurance policies.
Legal experts underscored that China’s traffic laws insulate trainees from financial responsibility during supervised practice, placing the onus on institutions to maintain adequate insurance. “These policies are mandatory for a reason,” noted automotive industry attorney Li Wei. “Without them, a single mishap could bankrupt smaller training centers.”
The incident comes as China’s driver education sector faces growing scrutiny. With over 30 million new drivers licensed annually and a market projected to exceed $12 billion by 2026, questions about standardized training protocols and risk mitigation strategies are gaining urgency—proving that even routine driving lessons can veer into high-stakes territory.
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