The Hong Kong Road Safety Association (HKRSA) is a voluntary organisation that was formed in 1961 to promote pedestrian safety. One of the HKRSA’s main activities is the operation of the Hong Kong Road Safety Patrol (HKRSP), which was launched back in 1963. An important community service, the Patrol focuses on the safety of student pedestrians on their way to and from school.
At the end of December 2006, HKRSP membership totalled 13,772, including students from kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, and senior citizens from elderly centres. In addition to the 688 volunteers who serve as leaders, there is a Commissioner, appointed by the HKRSA’s Executive Committee, who heads the Patrol.
The HKRSA also participates in a variety of road safety campaigns and community events, in which the HKRSP helps to provide regulatory and traffic-flow services. Other activities involve road safety education among students, which builds on the significant role that its student members play in school road safety education and as Road Safety Ambassadors.
A focus in recent years has been an increase in liaison activities with cities and provinces in Mainland China, with the HKRSA sharing its experience and expertise in promoting road safety awareness and creating road safety patrols in schools. To make road safety information available to the widest possible audience, the HKRSA and HKRSP also operate a website (www.rsa.org.hk).
Initially funded by donations from the public and Hong Kong’s business community, the HKRSA was officially recognised by the Government in 1965. Since then, it has been awarded an annual subvention to help defray its administrative and other costs.
Founded in 1918 by a group of pioneering road users, the Hong Kong Automobile Association (HKAA) is now approaching its 90th Anniversary. Despite the passing years, the ethos of its founders is as true today in our modern, cosmopolitan city as it was in those far off days when Hong Kong’s population was only a fraction of today’s 7,000,000-plus.
“The objects that the Association gives its attention are to enable motorists, and all other road users, to unite together for their common welfare and benefit.Unity is strength and the matters to which the Association gives its attention include good roads, proper regulation of traffic, safety measures and anything to do with the general protection of motorists and other road users.”
Today, that message is as vibrant and meaningful as ever.
The Hong Kong Automobile Association (HKAA) actively assists and advises the Government and sits on four committees: the Road Safety Council, the Road Safety Research Committee, the Road Safety Campaign Committee, and the Speed Limit Review Working Group.
A key member of the Road Safety Council, the Institute of Advanced Motorists Hong Kong (IAMHK) is a non-profit-making organisation committed to improving the standards of driving in Hong Kong. All members of IAMHK are required to pass Advanced Driving Tests to demonstrate that they really are responsible drivers.
The IAMHK regularly distributes road safety messages and keeps the Government informed of drivers’ feedback. The Institute also actively participates in a variety of campaigns to promote Hong Kong’s Road Safety Vision and Mascot.
In 2006, the Institute participated in the Road Safety Council, the Road Safety Campaign Committee and the Road Safety Research Committee. It also held talks and organised safe driving events throughout the year.
In December 2006, it successfully held a Road Safety Treasure Hunt with over 100 cars participating. The objective of this popular event was to promote drivers’ awareness of road conditions and road safety messages.
CILTHK regularly organises qualified programmes and events for members such as seminars, forums, conferences and visits. It also defines codes of practice to uphold professional standards for the industry. Likewise, it regularly participates in public committees and advisory bodies to comment on transport and logistics-related issues for the Government.
CILTHK joined the Road Safety Council as an active member in August 2001 and takes part in both the Road Safety Campaign Committee and Road Safety Research Committee.
It works closely with the Road Safety Council, the Highways Department, the Transport Department, the Customs and Excise, the Immigration Department and the Police to improve road safety and distribute road safety messages to the industry. To ensure better safety along highways near the boundary with Mainland China, CILTHK places particular emphasis on road safety publicity at Lok Ma Chau, Man Kam To and Sha Tau Kok.
The Hong Kong Medical Association (HKMA) has over 7,200 member practitioners. It imparts medical knowledge and information regarding the care and wellbeing of road users. To further boost road safety, it also offers advice to drivers on the side-effects of medications and other subjects.
Through medical educational programmes, volunteer doctors work hard to help publicise the dangers of drink- and drug-driving. The HKMA also uses press releases, publications, radio and TV programmes, lectures and exhibitions to spread its life-saving messages. A monthly newsletter reports on the Association’s activities and comments on controversial medical matters.
Founded in 1920, the HKMA was formerly known as the Hong Kong Chinese Medical Association. More than 85 years later, it remains active in the community, working hard to improve the standards of medical practice in Hong Kong while also maintaining friendly, professional relations with registered medical practitioners. The HKMA motto is ‘To Safeguard the Health of the People’.
The Road Safety Council is able to stay abreast of the latest medical news thanks to the HKMA’s affiliation with many international medical bodies, such as the World Medical Association, the Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania, and the Hong Kong Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
Established in 1988, the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers (HKFI) consists of some 150 members and is fully recognised by the Government as the representative body of the insurance industry.
In addition to liaising with the Commissioner of Insurance on legislative and industry matters, the HKFI is committed to improving the professionalism of the insurance industry by promoting and perfecting its self-regulatory regime.
The HKFI consists of two councils – the General Insurance Council and the Life Insurance Council. The Accident Insurance Association established under the General Insurance Council handles all matters relating to motor insurance.
In 2006, the HKFI supported the Road Safety Council’s initiatives in a number of ways. Its web pages were hyperlinked to the Road Safety Council’s homepage, providing drivers with useful education on motor insurance, including third-party risks insurance, no-claims bonuses, motor insurance cover under adverse weather conditions, and other topics. During the year, special incentives were also provided for safe drivers and drivers who voluntarily attended a Driver Improvement Course.
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