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Police will conduct a territory-wide campaign to enhance public awareness of road safety with focus on anti-drink driving from tomorrow (January 23) to January 29.
Officers from Police Regional Road Safety Teams will invite members of the public to take voluntary breath tests in bar areas. They will also distribute publicity leaflets at cross harbour tunnel kiosks, petrol stations and car parks to appeal to drivers not to drive after drinking.
Motorists will be reminded that the Road Traffic Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2008 was passed in June last year, which includes the enhancement of penalties for drink driving, and will take effect in early February.
Police will also enforce the existing legislation to the letter of the law. Any driver with alcohol in his body exceeding the prescribed limit after an Evidential Breath Test will be prosecuted.
Police figures revealed that there were 14 332 traffic accidents in 2008, a decrease of 983 cases when compared with 2007. Among these cases, 82 involved drink driving, a decrease of 22 cases when compared with 2007. Statistics from 2003 to 2007 indicated that one in every four traffic accidents involving drink driving caused either fatalities or serious injuries.
"Motorists are reminded not to drive after consuming alcohol. Offenders will be liable to a maximum fine of $25,000, three years' imprisonment and 10 driving-offence points; or possible disqualification from driving. Also, they may not receive compensation from insurance companies when convicted of drink driving offences," a Police spokesman said.
Police Report No. 5
Ends/Thursday, January 22, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:28
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