The Transport Department (TD) today (January 16) held a kick-off ceremony for the Safe Driving and Health Campaign to encourage commercial vehicle drivers to pay attention to safe driving and health with a view to enhancing road safety.

     Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, the Commissioner for Transport, Miss Rosanna Law, shared that improper driving habits such as inattentive driving, following too close to the vehicle in front and careless lane changing are the major causes of traffic accidents. As commercial vehicles carry over six million passengers daily on average, it is of utmost importance for commercial vehicle drivers to pay attention to their health conditions and safe driving behaviours to safeguard the safety of road users.
 
     Miss Law also reminded drivers to maintain adequate rest, pay attention to the road situation at all times and be considerate of other road users. For example, when approaching road sections with road works in progress, motorists should abide by temporary traffic signs and lights, and reduce vehicle speed to avoid traffic accidents.

     "Tobacco-free life", "maintain a balanced diet", "wear seat belt properly", "pay attention to health conditions and avoid fatigue driving" and "stay focused, always pay attention to pedestrians" are the five Campaign themes this year. These messages will be disseminated to commercial vehicle drivers through various channels and programmes including radio broadcasts, interviews, dramas, interactive games, free health check-ups, and website and social media publicity.
 
     Free health check-ups for commercial vehicle drivers is one of the Campaign's activities to encourage commercial vehicle drivers to be mindful of their health conditions and build a healthy lifestyle. This year, commercial vehicle drivers can register through the newly introduced electronic platform with instant notification by SMS for the confirmation of their booking for the check-ups at designated health centres. Limited health check-ups are available on a first-come, first-served basis. About 1 800 commercial vehicle drivers have successfully registered for the health check-ups.
 
     In addition, the TD will continue to disseminate road safety messages to commercial vehicle drivers through seminars or workshops, regular meetings with the public transport sector and free publications for the trade.
 
     Drivers are welcome to browse the Campaign's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TDSafeDrivingandHealthCampaign) and the new dedicated Instagram page (www.instagram.com/safedrivingandhealthcampaign) to obtain more information about road safety, and participate in the interactive games with prizes. For enquiries, please call 2804 2600.

Ends/Monday, January 16, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:45

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