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The Government is taking the issue of drink driving seriously and the Police will step up enforcement action to stop and breathalyse drivers, a Transport and Housing Bureau spokesman said today (December 25).
Reminding drivers of the perils of drink driving, the spokesman said: "Drink driving is an irresponsible and reckless behaviour that will lead to tragic loss of lives or serious injuries which is absolutely preventable."
"To make the Christmas holiday truly enjoyable for all road users," he said, "Motorists should not drive if they drink."
The latest statistics showed that since police officers were empowered to conduct random breath test (RBT) on drivers upon the coming into operation of the 2008 Road Traffic Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance on February 9 this year, the number of drink drive cases had been reduced by more than 70% as compared with that of the same period last year.
The spokesman said: "Although drink driving cases have been substantially brought down, we must remain vigilant. The Police will step up enforcement operations during this holiday season to ensure that drink drivers will be caught and brought to justice."
Under the existing law, drink drivers will be liable to three years' imprisonment, disqualification from driving for not less than three months on a first conviction and two years for subsequent convictions. For dangerous driving causing death, the maximum penalty is 10 years' imprisonment, two years' disqualification from driving for the first conviction and three years for subsequent convictions.
To further combat drink driving and dangerous driving, the Government is drafting some legislative proposals to increase the penalties, including bringing in 'aggravating factors' such as drink driving to all dangerous driving cases, to achieve greater deterrent effect. The proposals will be introduced into the Legislative Council for deliberation in the second quarter of 2010.
Ends/Friday, December 25, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:24
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