(China Daily)
Updated: 2007-08-30 13:58

Taxi drivers in Shanghai are complaining about a new rule that says drivers should not yawn while driving.

One driver, Gong, who has been driving for more than 10 years, called it "ridiculous and unreasonable". Gong said although he always avoided yawning in front of passengers, he still believed it was a natural way to get rid of exhaustion.

Shao Xueqing, general manager of a local taxi company, said the rule was aimed at keeping drivers from driving when tired. But he conceded that it was not possible to punish a driver just because he yawned.

However, some passengers said they would worry about safety if a driver kept yawning while driving.