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The Transport Department is encouraging taxi drivers to actively take part in an occupational health campaign in a bid to stay physically and mentally fit and ensure driving safety.
Attending the "Health Check Days for Taxi Drivers" activity today (April 3), the Commissioner for Transport Alan Wong said the working hours of taxi drivers were usually long and the traffic in Hong Kong was very busy. "Taxi drivers always have to pay attention to the traffic situation and pedestrians to ensure the safety of themselves, passengers and other road users," Mr Wong said.
He expressed his appreciation for taxi drivers who took the initiative to conduct health tests, stressing the importance of physical fitness towards taxi drivers and their families as well as their passengers.
"Taxi drivers should take enough rest, have regular and timely meals, do exercises and conduct regular body checks, to stay physically and mentally fit in order to serve the public," Mr Wong said.
Jointly hosted by the department and the Quality Taxi Service Steering Committee, and organised by the Health InfoWorld of the Hospital Authority, the "Health Check Days for Taxi Drivers" is aimed at providing various health tests for taxi drivers, thus arousing their awareness of the importance of physical well-being and encouraging them to continuously lead a healthy life.
Long working hours have led to a number of health problems for taxi drivers. The department and the Quality Taxi Service Steering Committee hoped to offer health tips to taxi drivers and raise their awareness of professional health through this campaign.
In addition to physical fitness, taxi drivers should also observe traffic regulations and not use mobile phones or communicate with taxi consoles while driving. They are also reminded not to drive after taking drugs and drinking.
"I would like to thank the taxi associations and the trade for offering support to the campaign which will benefit taxi drivers. I hope that similar activities will be held in future and be extended to other transport trade with a view to encouraging professional drivers to pay more attention to physical fitness," Mr Wong said.
Ends/Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:21
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