****************************************************
Police will launch a territory-wide pedestrian road safety campaign from tomorrow (March 6) to March 19. The two-week campaign aimed at educating pedestrians, in particular senior citizens, on road safety before taking enforcement action against offenders.
During the first week, officers from Police Regional Road Safety Teams will distribute publicity leaflets at 63 locations in the territory, including traffic accident black spots, to enhance pedestrians' road safety awareness and appeal to the public to comply with road safety regulations.
Offenders may be given verbal warnings in the first week while enforcement action to deal with jaywalking and pedestrian offences will be taken in the subsequent week.
A Police spokesman said that common pedestrian offences included failing to comply with a light signal on a light signal crossing; crossing within 15 metres of a footbridge or a pedestrian subway without using such facilities; and climbing over a kerbside fence or through a central reservation onto a carriageway.
Police figures revealed that there were 3 823 pedestrian casualties in traffic accidents in 2008, in which 88 persons were killed. Among the deceased, 60 or 68% were over the age of 60.
Police Report No.5
Ends/Thursday, March 5, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:06
NNNN
