Motorists urged to drive carefully

     The Transport Department (TD) was very saddened by the serious traffic accident that happened in Lok Ma Chau this (January 23) morning, which led to the death of six people, said a department spokesman.  The TD would like to extend its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.

      The spokesman reminded motorists to always maintain a cautious and careful driving attitude.  With the approach of the Lunar New Year holidays, they should be more alert and should not drive after drinking for their own safety and that of other road users.

      Motorists are also reminded that the maximum penalty for a drink driving offence, upon conviction, is a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment of three years.  The conviction will also incur 10 driving offence points.  Meanwhile, starting from February 9, stringent penalties for the relevant offence will be imposed.  Offenders will be disqualified from driving for no less than three months even on first conviction and will be required to attend a mandatory driving improvement course.  Repeat offenders are liable to disqualification for no less than two years.

      The spokesman also noted that the maximum imprisonment for motorists who were convicted of causing death by dangerous driving had been increased from five years to 10 years since July 4 last year.  Currently, upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and 10 driving offence points will be incurred.  First-time offenders are liable to be disqualified from driving for no less than two years, and repeat offenders are liable to disqualification for no less than three years.

Ends/Friday, January 23, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:42