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The following is issued on behalf of the Road Safety Council:
The Chairman of the Road Safety Council and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Tang King-shing, today (November 5) called on the Hong Kong community to exercise continued caution against accidents and to maintain road safety efforts.
Road accident fatality rates in 2004 dropped to a 45-year low of 160 and the number of fatal road accidents in the first three quarters of 2005 stood at 100, which is 20% lower than the corresponding period last year.
But we must not be complacent, said Mr Tang at the Road Safety Campaign Launch Ceremony. We must continue to strive for zero road accidents.
Mr Tang said that this year's road safety programme would continue with the theme "Smart Driving", with the broadcasting of educational videos at video walls, the Road Safety Proficiency Badge Scheme for Youths, the "100 Days Zero Accidents Campaign" and a series of activities on observing traffic light signals to promote greater awareness of road safety and reduce traffic accidents.
Joint efforts will be made with transport operators and community bodies including District Councils to drive home road safety messages to the public.
To launch this year's publicity programme, a television special appealing to cyclists, pedestrians, professional drivers and passengers to follow road safety rules and introducing this year's campaign activities will be broadcast at 11.05pm on December 20 on TVB-Jade.
The Road Safety Council aims to promote a safe and efficient road system in Hong Kong, minimising traffic accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users.
Ends/Saturday, November 5, 2005
Issued at HKT 16:01
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