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Police conducted a territory-wide operation yesterday (October 8) to reinforce the wearing of seat belts 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 26 verbal warnings and 198 summonses to PLB passengers, as well as eight verbal warnings and 10 Fixed Penalty Tickets to PLB drivers for failing to wear seat belts.
From January to September 2013, there were a total of 793 traffic accidents involving PLBs, resulting in 1 284 casualties. There was an increase of 3% and 0.9% respectively when compared with 769 traffic accidents and 1 272 casualties in the same period of 2012.
Police stressed that it is the personal responsibility of both the passengers and drivers to ensure that they are securely fastened to their seats by means of a seat belt where one is fitted. A passenger or a driver who is found not wearing a seat belt 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," a Police spokesman said.
Police Report No. 354
Ends/Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:05
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