***********************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Road Safety Council:
To further promote the safety of elderly pedestrians and enhance public awareness, the Road Safety Council (RSC) is set to launch its first "Elderly Pedestrian Safety Photo Competition".
The competition was launched today (July 3) at a ceremony officiated by the Chairman of the Road Safety Campaign Committee, Dr Eric Cheng, at Plaza Hollywood, Diamond Hill.
The safety of elderly pedestrians is an issue of concern to the RSC. According to police records, 23 elderly pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in Hong Kong during the first five months of this year. In 70 per cent of these 23 fatal accidents the pedestrians were at fault, making basic errors such as crossing the road heedless of traffic, representing an increase of 25 per cent compared with the same period in 2010.
The photo competition includes a Student Group and an Open Group. Participants are required to take photos featuring elderly people crossing roads or using transportation, with the aim of arousing awareness of road safety among elderly pedestrians as well as the public in general.
The competition will be open for entries from July 3 to September 16. For details, please visit www.elderlyroadsafety.com.hk.
Ends/Sunday, July 3, 2011
Issued at HKT 14:00
NNNN
