Police Set Sights On Careless Drivers

Police have warned motorists there will be a territory-wide crackdown on careless driving in April, involving "every uniformed officer" in the city.

Officers said a major cause of traffic accidents last year was drivers not paying enough attention when they were behind the wheel.

There were a total of 5,735 traffic accidents caused by people driving inattentively in 2017, the force said. These accidents left 50 people dead and more than 600 injured.

Chief Superintendent Martin Cadman of the force's Traffic Branch said their operation in April will focus on offences including speeding, disobeying traffic signals, drink or drug driving, and using mobile phones while driving.

Cadman said the aim of their campaign is to improve people’s attitudes towards driving.

"This operation will be conducted not just by traffic police officers, but by all uniformed police officers throughout Hong Kong. They will do it on foot and by vehicles. They will use personal observation and will also use other traffic enforcement equipment. In some places they will also use video cameras to gather evidence," Cadman said.

"The message from us is clear: driving requires your full and undivided attention. Stay focused behind the wheel."

Jim Ng, a Senior Superintendent for the traffic unit on Hong Kong Island, said anyone caught driving carelessly during the campaign would not be let off with a warning, and they could expect to be hit with a penalty.

He added that while it is not against the law to use a hands-free mobile while driving, motorists can still be given a warning if their behaviour is deemed to be inappropriate.