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While Hong Kong holds a relatively high global ranking for its road safety record, in terms of fatalities per million of population, there is no room for complacency. Safe roads for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike continue to be the focus of the Road Safety Council along with a community-wide safety promotion policy. The fatal accident at Lok Ma Chau in January 2009 served as a sobering reminder of the need for our continuous efforts in anti-drink driving and enhancing safe driving behaviour. The Council's role is to look objectively at road safety, listen to the views of the public and work with relevant agencies and government departments to ensure appropriate road safety measures are considered and put in place; and road safety messages are spread through publicity, education and enforcement.
Traffic statistics showed that 18,684 people were killed or injured in 14,576 traffic accidents in 2008, a decrease of 4.8% when compared to 2007 figures. Our achievements are the result of successful partnerships with government departments, the business sectors, and civil and community organisations. Our response to these statistics and associated findings is to focus our road safety publicity strategy on three key areas: anti-drink driving, safety for elderly pedestrians and safety for cyclists. Community support and a multi-agency approach are vital if we are to maintain Hong Kong's reputation as one of the world's safest cities for road users and pedestrians alike.
I am pleased that the Road Safety Council worked together with District Councils to tailor road safety initiatives to meet the districts' specific needs. An example is a road safety campaign focusing on elderly pedestrian safety in Sham Shui Po district where a high fatality rate among the elderly was recorded in 2008. Similarly, the Road Safety Proficiency Badge Scheme for Youths has recently implemented cycling courses in partnership with the Road Safety Association and Hong Kong Cycling Association to promote safe cycling among young people. The Council worked with Tai Po District Council to launch a major promotion on safe cycling across Hong Kong. Events such as the "2008 Road Safety Launching Ceremony cum Road Safety Vision Song & Symbol promotion" is also an excellent example to illustrate the importance of engaging the community. The event attracted more than 5,000 people. Road safety messages, the vision song and symbol were broadcast to the wider community through a TV special programme on a popular local TV channel. The Council will continue to run programmes with our road safety partners in pursuit of the vision of "Zero Accidents on the Road, Hong Kong's Goal".
On the legislative front, the Road Traffic Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2008, a package of measures to enhance road safety, came into effect in February 2009. To support the revised legislation, the Road Safety Council has undertaken a range of activities to publicize the legislative amendments which enhanced penalties on Dangerous Driving Causing Death and Drink Driving offences, and the power for the Police to conduct Random Breath Tests.
Road safety is an issue that evolves with society and the Council works to identify safety issues that require public attention. In 2009, we will launch a 10-month anti-drink driving publicity campaign including a new TV Announcement for Public Interest and continue to focus on aspects of pedestrian and cyclist safety. Road safety awareness requires team work and I am pleased to say that our team which includes the Government, non-governmental organisations, the commercial sectors and celebrities have all helped us to reach out to the community. I remain confident that, with increasing awareness, we will be able to make Hong Kong an even safer city. |
