The Chairman of the Road Safety Council and Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Yam Tat-wing pointed out on November 29 that the traffic accident death toll in 2006 dropped to a 49-year low of 144.

Speaking at the Road Safety Campaign launching ceremony, Mr Yam noted out that Hong Kong's traffic accident fatality rate is low, compared with other major cities.

To reduce traffic accidents, Mr Yam continued, the Road Safety Campaign 2007-2008 would continue adopting the theme of "Smart Driving with Courtesy", with a series of promotional activities to remind drivers and pedestrians to be courteous and conscious of their own safety as well as that of other road users.

Among these activities is a half-hour television special to raise awareness of road safety and the proper behaviours on the road. Co-organised by Television Broadcasts Limited, the programme was aired on TVB-Jade channel at 11.05pm on December 11.

Looking ahead, Mr Yam said: "The Road Safety Council will continue working closely with government departments, District Councils, transport operators and community groups to drive home road safety messages to the public. The council aims to promote a safe and efficient road system in Hong Kong, minimise traffic accidents and ensure the safety of all road users, with the vision of achieving zero accidents."

The Chairman of the Road Safety Campaign Committee, Mr Lawrence Yu, and the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Alan Wong, also officiated at the launching ceremony.

Members of the Road Safety Council and its committees with DCP (OPS) at the Road Safety Campaign launching ceremony