In a bid to reduce fatal and serious accidents with a multi-agency approach, Traffic Branch Headquarters (TBHQ) recently undertook a study of accident contributory factors and road safety statistics in order to identify the major areas of risk. 

 

While the number of traffic fatalities last year was the lowest since 1954 at 100, the fatalities involving goods vehicles stood at 50. TBHQ considers this situation unsatisfactory and a priority problem that should be addressed. Accordingly, officers from Regional Traffic Formations and District Traffic Teams recently took part in a territory-wide operation in a bid to reduce traffic accidents involving goods vehicles and make the drivers more aware of safe driving.

 

During the operation, which lasted from June 3 to 9, the officers focused on road safety matters in the areas where goods vehicles loaded, unloaded and transported goods across road transport network.  As a result, four arrests were made, in addition to the 110 summonses, 1 332 fixed-penalty tickets and 10 warnings issued.  Offences of concern were drink driving, careless driving, overloading and use of mobile telephones when driving.

 

More similar operations will continue on a regular basis to drive home the importance of road safety for goods vehicle. TBHQ will focus on education and accident prevention during regional road safety campaigns and inter-departmental meetings with the transport sector.