Territory-wide campaign to promote driving safety
*************************************************

Police will run a territory-wide campaign tomorrow (November 21) to remind drivers of public service vehicles and goods vehicles the importance of safe driving.

The ten-day campaign, to last until November 30, includes both publicity on safe driving and enforcement against traffic offences.

During the first five days of the campaign, Police officers will distribute publicity leaflets, including Project Safe-Ride leaflets, to drivers of public service and goods vehicles as well as members of the public. People are encouraged to report undesirable driving behaviour to the Police or the Transport Complaints Unit of the Transport Advisory Committee (Tel.: 2889 9999). They can also report direct to the 24-hour Police Transport Hotline 2754 7668 for driving misbehaviour related to Public Light Bus drivers such as speeding.

Stringent enforcement actions will be taken in the following five days against traffic offences including speeding, failing to comply with traffic signals, using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, and seatbelt-related offences.

According to Police figures, in the first 10 months of this year, there were 11 963 (provisional) traffic accidents involving casualties, a decrease of six per cent when compared with the same period last year. These accidents were mainly the results of following too close to the vehicle in front, losing control of vehicles, driving too fast, changing lane carelessly, negligence and failing to comply with traffic signals.

"We hope that the campaign will enhance public awareness of road safety and eventually achieve the road safety vision: 'Zero Accidents on the Road, Hong Kong's Goal'," a Police spokesman said.

Police Report No. 3

Ends/Thursday, November 20, 2008
Issued at HKT

NNNN