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Police will launch a territory-wide campaign tomorrow (February 18) to remind drivers of public service vehicles and goods vehicles the importance of safe driving.
The two-week campaign, which will last until March 3, includes both publicity on safe driving and enforcement against traffic offences.
The campaign will also feature the "Public Light Bus Safe-driving Kick-off Ceremony" to be held at Sau Mau Ping Road Safety Town tomorrow to commend public light bus drivers with safe driving attitude as well as promote road safety among drivers.
During the first week of the campaign, Police officers will distribute leaflets of the Safe Driving Code for Goods Vehicles to goods vehicles drivers and remind them the importance of safe loading and safe speed. Publicity leaflets, including Project Safe-Ride leaflets, will also be distributed to drivers of public service vehicles and members of the public. People are encouraged to report undesirable driving behaviour to the Police or the Transport Complaints Unit of the Transport Advisory Committee (tel.:2889 9999). They can also report direct to the 24-hour Police Transport Hotline 2754 7668 about driving misbehaviour of public light bus drivers.
Stringent enforcement actions will be taken in the second week against traffic offences including speeding, following too close to the vehicle in front, failing to comply with traffic signals, using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, and seatbelt-related offences.
According to Police figures, the total number of casualties in traffic accidents last year was 19 124 persons, an increase of 5.4 per cent when compared with 18 138 persons in 2009. These accidents were mainly the result of driving inattentively, following too close to the vehicle in front, losing control of vehicles, changing lane carelessly, and careless cycling.
"We hope that the campaign will enhance public awareness of road safety in pursuit of the road safety vision-Zero Accidents on the Road, Hong Kong's Goal," a Police spokesman said.
Police Report No. 9
Ends/Thursday, February 17, 2011
Issued at HKT 12:30
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