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Police will launch a territory-wide campaign from tomorrow (August 13) to August 19 reminding 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 leaflets on safe driving code for goods vehicles to goods vehicles drivers reminding them the importance of safe loading and safe speed. Other publicity leaflets, including Project ˇ§Safe-Rideˇ¨ leaflets, will also be distributed to drivers of public service vehicles and members of the public. People are encouraged to 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 service vehicles and goods vehicles between January and July this year was 5 329 cases, a decrease of three per cent when compared with 5 519 cases in the same period of 2013.
ˇ§The main contributory factors for the 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.
ˇ§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.
Ends/Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Issued at HKT 14:38
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