LCQ2: Placing smart phones/devices on dashboard
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Question:
In recent years, more and more members of the public use telephones or mobile phone applications to call taxis or goods vehicles. It has been reported that most of the drivers of such vehicles place several mobile phones or tablet computers (the highest number of devices being 13) on the dashboard so that they can communicate with their customers at any time. It is not uncommon for such drivers to get distracted as a result of their communicating with customers while driving, which jeopardizes road safety. As indicated by the Police's figures, the resultant casualties of last year's traffic accidents which were caused by inattentive driving were 5 735, of which 50 persons were killed and 608 persons were seriously injured. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the respective numbers of drivers who were charged with the offences of dangerous driving and careless driving in each of the past five years because their using mobile phones or tablet computers while driving had undermined driving safety;
(2) of the measures to eradicate the situation of drivers being distracted due to their using multiple mobile phones or tablet computers while driving; and
(3) of the progress so far of the Government's study on the introduction of legislation to regulate the number of mobile phones or tablet computers permitted to be placed on a dashboard?
Reply:
President,
To ensure road safety, motorists should always drive attentively and avoid being distracted. Therefore, motorists should avoid using smart phones/devices (including tablets) as far as possible while driving. The Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) has stipulated stringent provisions on "dangerous driving" and "careless driving". If a motorist uses a smart phone/device while driving or uses such equipment in any way that affects his driving, he may have committed the "dangerous driving" or "careless driving" offence, irrespective of whether his driving has caused a traffic accident. In addition, under the Road Traffic (Traffic Control) Regulations (Cap. 374G), if a motor vehicle is in motion, it is an offence for the motorist to use a mobile phone or telecommunications equipment while holding it in his hand or between his head and shoulder.
My reply to the various parts of the Hon Frankie Yick's question is as follows:
(1) The Hong Kong Police Force (Police) have not maintained statistics on motorists who had been charged with "dangerous driving" or "careless driving" for placing several smart phones/devices on the dashboard at the front of their vehicles. Based on data from the Police, in the past five years, the number of enforcement actions taken by the Police against motorists who, while driving, used a mobile phone or telecommunications equipment while holding it in their hand or between their head and shoulder are set out in the table below:
| Year |
2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 |
| Number of enforcement actions | 27 254 | 22 015 | 22 270 | 17 749 | 20 329 |
(2) and (3) The Transport Department (TD), the Police and the Road Safety Council have been promoting to motorists the importance of driving attentively and avoid using smart phones/devices as far as possible. In 2017, an announcement in the public interest and a leaflet on "Driving Attentively" were released. In such publicity, there was a reminder to motorists that when they are driving, they should not use smart phones/devices so as to avoid hampering their driving. The Government has also promoted the message from time to time through channels such as social media platforms and carnival activities, and the message will continue to be a highlight in the publicity efforts in 2018. In addition, through regular meetings with the transport trades, the TD has also called on commercial vehicle drivers to drive attentively and avoid using smart phones/devices while driving.
As regards law enforcement, the Police will continue, through the "Selected Traffic Enforcement Priorities", to step up enforcement actions to enhance road safety. This year, the Police have launched a new territory-wide enforcement operation (Operation Clearview) to more vigorously combat offences related to inattentive driving. The operation serves to remind motorists of the need to stay focused and drive attentively.
The Government notes the concern of society on some motorists placing several smart phones/devices on the dashboard. We understand that motorists may have practical needs for using smart phones/devices, for example, for obtaining navigational information. As to whether further restrictions should be imposed on motorists' use of smart phones/devices, the Government is examining the impact of such restrictions on drivers and other road users, as well as the regulation, enforcement and other related details. Once there are specific proposals, the Government will consult various stakeholders and the Legislative Council.
Ends/Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Issued at HKT 14:00
Issued at HKT 14:00
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