Territory-wide campaign to promote safe driving
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Police will run a territory-wide campaign tomorrow (February 20) to remind drivers of public service vehicles and goods vehicles the importance of safe driving.

The five-day campaign, which will continue until next Tuesday (February 24), includes both publicity on safe driving and enforcement against traffic offences.

During the first two 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 three days against traffic offences including speeding, failing to comply with traffic signals, using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, and seatbelt-related offences.

Police figures revealed that there were 18 684 casualties in traffic accidents in 2008, a decrease of 5% when compared with 19 625 in 2007; while the figure of January 2009 was 1 204, a decrease of 29% when compared with 1 697 during 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 obey 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. 4
Issued by PPRB

Ends/Thursday, February 19, 2009
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