***************************************************
Over 60 good vehicle drivers from about 20 trade associations signed a safety charter to demonstrate their commitment to enhance road safety awareness and promote safe driving at the Opening Ceremony for Goods Vehicle Driver Safety Charter held at Kowloon Bay Vehicle Examination Centre today (December 2). The event was a joint effort of the goods vehicle trade and Transport Department.
The Commissioner for Transport, Mr Alan Wong, said at the opening ceremony that it had always been the Government's continuous commitment to make Hong Kong a metropolitan city with a safe traffic environment. The Government had always been devoted to the promotion of road safety and enhancement of drivers' awareness of safe driving. Members of the public were always reminded to observe traffic regulations and cross the roads with care.
"Most important of all is to further enhance the goods vehicle drivers' awareness of road safety,"said Mr Alan Wong, "They must have the correct driving attitude and concentrate in order to drive safely at all times."
"We hope the trade would encourage more drivers to promulgate the safety charter, abide to the relevant commitments, be responsible and drive with prudence," Mr Alan Wong added.
"In addition to the safety charter, the Transport Department and the trade will also arrange a series of seminar and publicity work later. Part of the cost is sponsored by the trade," Mr Alan Wong said.
Also officiating at the ceremony were Legislative Councillors Ms Miriam Lau and Mr Andrew Cheng. Ms Lau and Mr Cheng took the lead and joined the goods vehicle drivers to read aloud the safety charter under the witness and with the support of goods vehicle trade.
By signing voluntarily on the safety charter, a goods vehicle driver is committed to various road safety aspects including:
1. reverse with great care and make sure there are no pedestrians behind
2. leave the vehicle in the correct gear when parking on hills
3. not to jump lights
4. observe the speed limit
5. observe the two-second rule
6. not to drive when under the influence of alcohol
7. drive with patience and give way
8. change lanes with care
9. not to overload the vehicle
10. check and maintain the vehicle regularly
Ends/Sunday, December 3, 2006
Issued at HKT 13:40
NNNN
