44
Reply
(a)
(b)
(c)
Mr President,
(a)
(b)
(c)
T
of the details of the accident and the location at which the highway maintenance vehicle was parked;
whether the operation of highway maintenance vehicles as well as road sweepers is a common cause giving rise to traffic accidents; and
whether the Government has issued any guidelines on the safe operation of such vehicles; and whether consideration will be given to introducing further safety measures?
This traffic accident occurred at about 3.30 pm on 4 December 1994. A Highways Department contractor was collecting traffic signs and cones from the fast lane of the Tolo Highway northbound near the Ma Liu Shui interchange with the Tate's Cairn Highway, following completion of road maintenance works at that location. Part of the lane was closed to traffic at that time. To draw motorists attention to this, advance warning signs were placed at both sides of the northbound carriageway at 600, 400, 200 and 100 metres before the beginning of closed part of the lane. In addition, vehicle equipped with a yellow flashing arrow sign was positioned at the start of the closed section, to direct traffic into the adjacent lane.
Despite these warning signs, a light goods vehicle crashed into the rear of the sign vehicle and pushed it forward about 36 metres before it came to a halt. The accident resulted in a fatal injury to the driver of the light goods vehicle, slight injury to the driver of the sign vehicle and serious damage to both vehicles.
The operation of highways maintenance vehicles, including road sweepers, is not a common cause of traffic accidents.
The Code of Practice for the Lighting, Signing and Guarding of Road Works contains clear guidelines for the safety of road works and for the operation of road maintenance vehicles. The code includes special requirements for work on expressways. This document is currently being reviewed by Highways Department, Transport Department and the Police with a view to improving road safety requirements. The measures being considered include the mounting of strobe lights on maintenance vehicles 4.5 metres above road level to make them more visible to drivers at a greater distance.
End/Wednesday, January 18, 1995
Page 60Page 61