A dangerous incident in Zhejiang, China, has sparked public outrage after a female ride-hailing passenger allegedly grabbed the steering wheel while the vehicle was in motion, causing it to crash into roadside barriers.
According to Chinese media reports, the incident occurred after the passenger requested the driver to deviate from the original route to send a friend to another destination. The driver refused, explaining that any change must be made through the app in accordance with platform rules.
Dissatisfied with the refusal, the woman reportedly became agitated during the journey. Video footage circulating online shows her shouting instructions from the back seat before suddenly reaching forward and forcibly grabbing and turning the steering wheel.
The sudden interference caused the vehicle to lose control and collide with roadside guardrails. The driver immediately called the police, reporting that his steering wheel had been grabbed by a passenger, leading to the crash.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although the vehicle sustained damage. Authorities confirmed that the situation could have resulted in far more serious consequences given the loss of control at speed.
Legal experts noted that interfering with a moving vehicle’s steering system is a highly dangerous act that endangers public safety. Under Chinese law, such behaviour may constitute the offence of endangering safe driving, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to one year even if no severe injuries occur.
The case has triggered strong reactions online, with many netizens condemning the woman’s actions as reckless and warning against putting lives at risk over personal convenience.
