Road safety campaign targets drink driving
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Police concluded a territory-wide campaign, arresting 13 drivers for drink-driving related offences.

The campaign, codenamed "Quickchaser", was held between last Friday (January 23) and this Thursday (January 29) which aimed at enhancing public awareness on road safety and targeting drink-driving offences. It also aimed at reminding motorists that the revised road traffic legislation with enhanced penalties for drink driving would take effect from February 9, 2009 when Police will implement Random Breath Test by use of an approved pre-screening device, and that the Police would enforce the drink driving legislation to the letter of the law.

It was the first in an ongoing series of anti-drink driving campaigns conducted by the Police in 2009 using a three-pronged approach, that is publicity, education and enforcement, to target such offences.

Police officers from Regional Road Safety Teams visited various bar and restaurant areas throughout the territory and distributed about 22,721 leaflets appealing to motorists not to drive after drinking. During the campaign period, 307 motorists were invited to take voluntary breath tests.

Strict enforcement was taken during the Chinese Lunar Year period. Thirteen drivers were arrested for drink-driving and related offences. The hit rate of breath test was 2.5 per cent, representing a decrease of 2 per cent when compared with the 4.5 per cent during the same period in 2008 in which 46 drivers were arrested.

"Motorists are reminded not to drive after consuming alcohol. Offenders will be liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and three years' imprisonment, be incurred 10 driving-offence points; and may be disqualified from driving. In addition, they may not be insured when being convicted for drink driving offences, " a Police spokesman said.

Police Report No.7

Ends/Saturday, January 31, 2009