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(c)
whether the Government will consider introducing legislation requiring such drivers to drive at lower speed on highways, in order to reduce the chances of traffic accidents?
Reply:
Mr President,
The traffic accident statistics for the last three years, in respect of drivers who have held a full licence for less than a year, are as follows:
Motorcycle
Private car
1992 1993 1994
1992 1993 1994
744 745 710
588 511 567
Available statistics suggest that newly qualified drivers are more prone to traffic accidents. For example, in 1994 private car drivers with less than one year's experience had an accident rate of 10.5 per 1,000 drivers, compared with 7.5 per 1,000 drivers for those with more than one year's experience.
In answering a question in the Legislative Council on January 11 this year, I said that it would be appropriate to review the situation and to consider whether any special arrangements needed to be introduced in respect of young or inexperienced drivers. I also said that we would be seeking information on practices in other countries, and whether these had been successful in reducing the incidence of accidents involving newly qualified drivers. We are now in the process of gathering such information.
Speeding is not the only cause of traffic accidents. Other factors include the sudden changing of lanes without due care, and driving too close to the vehicle in front. Different speed limits for different categories of qualified drivers may well create more problems than they solve. For example, if newly qualified drivers were required to drive at slower speeds this could hold up the traffic ad cause frustration amongst other motorists, perhaps resulting in accidents. Nevertheless, this suggestion will be considered further.
End/Wednesday, March 1, 1995