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Police conducted a territory-wide operation yesterday (January 8) to reinforce the wearing of seatbelts on public light bus (PLB) as part of ongoing efforts to encourage both drivers and passengers to protect themselves from injury.
The operation, which started in the early morning and ended at midnight yesterday, resulted in the issue of eight verbal warnings and 194 summonses to PLB passengers, and three fixed penalty tickets to PLB drivers for failing to wear seatbelts.
Between January and November of 2012, there were a total of 931 traffic accidents involving PLB, resulting in 1 537 casualties. There was a decrease of six per cent each when compared with 991 traffic accidents and 1 638 casualties in the same period of 2011.
It is the personal responsibility of both passengers and drivers to ensure that they are securely fastened to their seats by means of a seatbelt where one is fitted, a Police spokesman said. A passenger or a driver who is found not wearing a seatbelt on a PLB is subject to a maximum fine of $5,000 and three months¡¦imprisonment.
"The Force is committed to taking proactive action to reduce deaths and injuries arising from traffic accidents. Education, publicity and enforcement will continue to be conducted to enhance road safety," the spokesman said.
Police Report No.280
Ends/Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:26
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