Public urged to observe road safety during Chinese New Year holidays
The Transport Department (TD) today (February 14) reminded all road users, including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, to observe road safety during the Chinese New Year holidays.
"Motorists must not drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs as this will contravene the law. Drink driving and drug driving will not only endanger motorists themselves, but also other road users. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs will significantly impair one's driving ability. After drinking alcohol or taking drugs, one should use public transport services or arrange someone else to drive," a spokesman for the TD said.
"Motorists must not participate in illegal road racing and speeding. They should always maintain a steady and suitable speed, drive attentively at all times, observe road conditions and keep sufficient distance with the vehicle in front."
The TD reminded motorists to comply with the new road safety requirements implemented recently. They must not place more than two mobile telecommunications devices (i.e. mobile telephones, tablet computers or laptop computers) in front of them while driving. The diagonal length of each device's screen must not exceed 19 centimetres. Further, child passengers aged below 8 must use a Child Restraining Device in private cars, unless they reach a body height of 1.35 metres.
The spokesman also appealed to motorists not to park their vehicles illegally. They should park in a parking place or a car park to maintain smooth road traffic. This can avoid causing traffic jams, affecting public transport operations, blocking the passage of emergency vehicles, and obstructing the sight lines of pedestrians and other road users, which may otherwise cause traffic accidents. For motorists who commit traffic offences and cause traffic obstructions, the Police will issue warnings or summonses, or even tow away the vehicles concerned.
In addition, when cycling, members of the public are advised to cycle within their abilities and observe road safety, wear suitable helmets and personal protective equipment, and properly check their bicycles. They should not cycle on pavement.
Pedestrians must follow traffic rules when crossing the road and properly use crossing facilities. Before crossing the road, they must wait until the steady "green man" light signal shows and all traffic has stopped. When the "green man" light is flashing, they must not start to cross if they are still on the pavement. Do not watch or use mobile phones while crossing.
The TD stressed that road safety hinges on the co-operation of every road user, and appealed to the public to exercise self-discipline and comply with traffic rules.
The Transport Department (TD), Photo by Bastille Post
