Force conducts 100 000 RBTs
The Force has conducted 100 000 Random Breath Testings (RBT) on motorists since RBT was introduced in February 2009. The 100 000th driver was stopped for RBT at a police roadblock on Nan Fung Road, Hong Kong Island, on September 9. The RBT was first conducted on a driver at a police roadblock on Queensway on February 9 last year.
"We are very pleased with what Random Breath Testing has achieved in reducing accidents. We are not complacent and will continue to improve our tactics and procedures for better results," Chief Superintendent (CSP) (Traffic) Steve Verralls stressed.
Reviewing the effect of RBT on road safety, CSP Verralls is particularly happy to see a significant drop in traffic accidents involving drink driving.
In the 19 months from February 2009 to August 2010, 379 traffic accidents were reported to have involved drink driving. However, the figure for the previous same period (i.e. July 2007 to January 2009) was 1 124, a reduction of 66 percent.
RBT has raised drivers' awareness of the serious consequences of drink driving. "Offenders are liable to three years' imprisonment and a maximum fine of $25,000. They will also be disqualified from driving for not less than three months on first conviction and not less than two years on second conviction", said CSP Verralls. "Drivers with a drink driving conviction will incur 10 driving offence points and are required to attend a Driving Improvement Course before they can get back their driving licences. Drivers may also find their insurance policies invalid on conviction of a drink driving offence," he added.
According to CSP Verralls, legislative process is underway to enhance the punishments by linking penalties to the level of the alcohol concentration found on drivers.
Traffic Branch Headquarters will continue to look for improved equipment and to streamline the existing procedures to enhance the effectiveness of enforcement operations.
Traffic
Headquarters
will continue to look for improved equipment to enhance
effectiveness of enforcement operations