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Police will launch a territory-wide campaign from tomorrow (October 17) to October 23 to remind drivers of public service vehicles and goods vehicles the importance of safe driving. The one-week campaign includes both publicity on safe driving and enforcement against traffic offences.
Stringent enforcement actions will be taken 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.
Police officers will distribute publicity leaflets on ¡§Safe Driving Code for Goods Vehicles¡¨ to goods vehicles drivers and remind them the importance of safe loading and safe speed. Other publicity leaflets featuring road safety 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 call direct to the 24-hour Police Transport Hotline 2754 7668 to report driving misbehaviour of public light bus drivers.
According to Police figures, the total number of accidents involving public services vehicles and goods vehicles from January to September in 2011 was 6 719 cases, an increase of 0.5 per cent when compared with 6 685 cases in the same period of 2010.
"The main contributory factors for these accidents are driving inattentively, driving too close to the vehicle in front, careless lane changing, improper or illegal turn, and failing to safeguard passenger safety," a Police spokesman said.
"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."
Police Report No. 8
Ends/Sunday, October 16, 2011
Issued at HKT 10:35
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