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Police will launch a territory-wide campaign from tomorrow (August 15) to August 21 to remind drivers of public service vehicles and goods vehicles the importance of safe driving. The one-week campaign includes both publicity on safe driving and enforcement against traffic offences.
Stringent enforcement actions will be taken against traffic offences including speeding, following too close to the vehicle in front, failing to comply with traffic signals, using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, and seatbelt-related offences.
Police officers will also distribute leaflets on ¡°Safe Driving Code for Goods Vehicles¡± to goods vehicles drivers and remind them the importance of safe loading and safe speed. Other publicity leaflets, including ¡°Project Safe-Ride¡± leaflets, will also be distributed to drivers of public service vehicles and 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 call direct to the 24-hour Police Transport Hotline 2754 7668 to report driving misbehaviour of public light bus drivers.
According to Police figures, the total number of accidents involving public service vehicles or goods vehicles from January to June in 2012 was 4 549 cases, an increase of three per cent when compared with that of 4 435 cases in the same period of 2011.
"The main contributory factors for the accidents are driving inattentively, driving too close to the vehicle in front, careless lane changing, improper or illegal turn, and failing to safeguard passenger safety," a Police spokesman said.
"We hope that the campaign will enhance public awareness of road safety in pursuit of the road safety vision - Zero Accidents on the Road, Hong Kong's Goal."
Police Report No.157
Ends/Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:23
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