Chairman's Foreword

I am pleased to present to you my first Annual Report in the capacity as Chairman of the Road Safety Council (the Council).  The year 2010 marked another year of success in our endeavour to promote road safety, which was evidenced by the fact that the number of fatal traffic accident cases in 2010 was the lowest since 1955.  Despite this downward trend we cannot be complacent, traffic accidents in 2010 still claimed 117 lives, many of which could have been avoided.

It is incumbent upon the Council to continue to work hard and to marshall the efforts of all stakeholders to enhance road safety in Hong Kong.  It is my mission, and indeed my personal conviction, to foster a safer road environment through productive partnerships with government departments, non-government agencies, the business sector and most important of all, the community.

In recent years, the public have expressed concerns over drink driving.  The Road Traffic (Amendment) Ordinance 2008 has introduced a number of measures to combat drink driving which include empowering the Police to conduct random breath tests on drivers.  Last year, the Road Traffic (Amendment) Ordinance 2010 significantly raised the penalties including the driving disqualification period with a view to achieving a greater deterrent effect.  In conjunction with these legislative amendments, the Council initiated a series of education and publicity campaigns in 2010 emphasising the serious consequences of drink driving.  It is encouraging to note that the number of accidents involving drink driving has dropped from 281 cases in 2009 to 213 cases in 2010.

In 2010, 84 drivers were found to be driving under the influence of drugs.  Comparing to the 11 cases in 2009, the increase was almost sevenfold.  In view of the drastic upsurge in drug driving cases, the government has been working vigorously towards tightening the laws and introducing new measures to combat this irresponsible driving behaviour.  In parallel, the Council produced a public announcement on anti-drug driving in December 2010 which was broadcast on the radio and television, launched publicity campaigns and disseminated education materials to warn the public about the serious consequences of driving under the influence of drugs.  In 2011, anti-drug driving will continue to be one of the main themes of the Council.

Hong Kong is a busy city, our streets are packed with dense crowds and vehicles.  Amongst all road users elderly pedestrians are the most vulnerable group.  In 2010, there were 48 fatalities involving pedestrians aged 60 or above, accounting for about 70 per cent of the total pedestrian fatalities and 41 per cent of traffic accident fatalities.  To promote road safety for our elderly pedestrians, the Council produced a public announcement in 2010 to remind senior citizens not to over-estimate their physical ability.  In addition, education programmes were launched asking family members, drivers and other road users to pay special attention to elderly pedestrians.  The Council is determined to continue to promote the theme 'Love yourself, Love your family, Be a smart pedestrian'.  In 2011, the Council will join hands with the 18 District Councils to launch a series of elderly pedestrian safety campaigns to ensure the message will reach across Hong Kong.

The Road Safety Council will continue to devise road safety strategies by carefully analysing traffic accident statistics and causation factors.  By adopting a multi-agency and community based approach, the Council is committed to pursuing the road safety vision - 'Zero Accidents on the Road, Hong Kong's Goal'.

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