Chairman's Foreword

It is with great pleasure that I take up the responsibility of Chairman of the Road Safety Council (the Council) and have the opportunity to present the Council’s annual report for 2013.

The Council has been effectively promoting road safety in order to reduce traffic accidents and casualties for over 40 years. The Council proudly celebrated its 40th Anniversary last year, placing a strong focus on the four road safety priorities of “Anti-Drug Driving”, “Anti-Drink Driving”, “Cycling Safety” and “Elderly Pedestrian Safety”.

Anti-Drug Driving

There was a welcome drop in the number of drug driving related traffic accidents in 2013, reflecting an enhanced public awareness of the negative impact of Drug Driving. To further reinforce the deterrent effect, the Council conducted a series of education and publicity campaigns during the year. Large banners with the slogan “Drug Driving Zero Tolerance” and “Drug Driving Never Risk It” have been displayed on major traffic routes and different media platforms, emphasising the negative consequences of drug driving.

Anti-Drink Driving

The Council remains committed to combating drink driving. In addition to utilizing promotion banners and announcements of public interest, the Council have also made use of social media to strengthen the message of “If you drink, don’t drive” and reflect the serious consequences of drink driving. Members of the Council joined the Police to visit entertainment and bar areas in Tai Po and Wan Chai during the last Halloween and Christmas respectively, to remind revellers not to drive after drinking. The visits attracted considerable positive media coverage.

Cycling Safety

With the surge in the popularity of cycling in recent years, cycling safety has been one of the Council’s major concerns. In July 2013, the Council launched the “Summer Safe Cycling cum Safe Cycling Ambassadors Appointment Ceremony” in Tai Po and Tseung Kwan O. To enhance cycling safety awareness amongst the young, the Council also employed qualified trainers to provide cycling safety training courses to approximately 2700 students at 50 primary and secondary schools in 2013. The courses were well received by both the parents and the participating schools.

Elderly Pedestrian Safety

Elderly pedestrian safety continues to be a prime concern. In 2013, the Council strengthened its cooperation with Radio Television Hong Kong to promote pedestrian safety, broadcasting a series of radio dramas with the theme of elderly pedestrian safety. Quiz competitions were also conducted with 32 elderly centres to remind the elderly of the importance of “Love yourself, Love your family, Be a smart pedestrian”.

Achievements

Although the number of licensed vehicles has continued to increase, the number of fatal road traffic accidents remained near and all time low in 2013. Traffic accidents involving drink driving also remained at a low level, decreasing from 680 cases in 2008 to 234 (-66%) cases in 2013.

Looking Ahead

The Council has enhanced Road Safety over the past 40 years, and will continue to adopt a multi-agency approach to further reduce road traffic accidents and casualties.

In addition to promoting the four key messages of “Anti-Drug Driving”, “Anti-Drink Driving”, “Cycling Safety” and “Elderly Pedestrian Safety”, the Council will also launch the theme of “Driving Attentively” in 2014 to remind drivers to pay more attention whilst driving. ‘Driving Inattentively’ has been the top driver contributory factor in traffic accidents for the past three years. Through a multi-agency and community-based approach, we aim to further enhance public awareness on Road Safety. In collaboration with our road safety partners, including the 18 District Councils, the Hong Kong Road Safety Association and the Hong Kong Automobile Association, we will strive to achieve – “Zero Accidents on the Road”.

Acknowledgement

Road Safety requires the involvement of our entire community to be effective. I would particularly like to express my sincere appreciation to our Council members and the participating organisations that have supported our efforts to mobilize the community’s involvement to improve Road Safety in 2013. I look forward to their ongoing support and that of our community in the years ahead.

WONG Chi-hung, Tony
Chairman
Road Safety Council