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Police will launch a territory-wide campaign from tomorrow (August 14) to August 20 to remind drivers of public service vehicles and goods vehicles of the importance of safe driving. The one-week campaign includes both publicity on safe driving and enforcement against traffic offences.
Stringent enforcement action will be taken against traffic offences including speeding, following the vehicle in front too closely, failing to comply with traffic signals, using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, and seatbelt-related offences.
Police officers will also distribute leaflets on the ¡§Safe Driving Code for Goods Vehicles¡¨ to goods vehicles drivers, reminding them of the importance of safe loading and safe speed. Other 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 call the 24-hour police transport hotline 2754 7668 to report any driving misbehaviour by public light bus drivers.
According to police figures, accidents involving public service vehicles and goods vehicles from January to July 2013 totalled 5,432 cases, a decrease of 1 per cent compared with 5,495 cases in the same period of 2012.
¡§The main contributory factors for the accidents are driving inattentively, driving too close to the vehicle in front, careless lane changing, improper or illegal turns, and failing to safeguard passenger safety.
¡§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. 182
Ends/Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Issued at HKT 12:25
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