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Causes of accidents involving container trucks
Following is a question by the Hon Ms Chan Yuen-han and a reply by the Secretary for Transport, Mr Haider Barma, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Recently, a traffic accident involving the overturning of a container truck occurred at the Route Twisk interchange. The accident has aroused concern over the safe driving of container trucks and road safety in various traffic accident blackspots. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council :
Reply:
(a)
(b)
(c)
Mr President.
what are the main causes of accidents involving container trucks, and whether corresponding remedia! measures will be adopted:
whether consideration will be given to drawing up a set of guidelines on "the use of the road by heavy container trucks" so as to guide drivers on how to drive safely; and
whether consideration will be given to improving road safety in various traffic accident blackspots, such as a review of the design of road surface and the installation of "Reduce Speed" signs at an appropriate distance before such blackspots?
The results of Police investigations have indicated that the main causes of accidents involving container trucks are driving 100 close to the vehicle in front, careless lane changing, loss of control of the vehicle, and defective brakes.
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The first three causes relate directly to driving behavior. Container truck drivers have been reminded periodically of the dangers of tailgating and careless lane changing through their associations and at seminars. There have also been publicity campaigns and APIs on television. These will be repeated in the coming months.
As an experiment to further alert drivers. a trial road marking scheme will shortly be introduced on a section of Tolo Highway near Tai Po, in fact in July, later this year.
Distinctive chevron markings, spaced apart. will be painted on the carriageway to help drivers judge what would be a safe and correct distance from the vehicle in front.