XN000022-1996-05-08 — Page 55

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(iii) enlisting the support of road safety patrol teams to help disseminate road safety messages and assist elderly pedestrians in crossing the roads near their social centres; and

(iv) distributing road safety pamphlets and giving advice at pedestrian

accident blacksites.

These efforts have had a measure of success in that the number of casualties involving elderly people in traffic accidents have been decreasing over the last three years. Notwithstanding this, we need to continue our efforts and, for example, are liaising with the Hong Kong Road Safety Association, to strengthen its road safety patrols at locations which have a high number of casualties of elderly pedestrians.

We do not believe that prosecuting the elderly for jaywalking would solve the problem. We should continue to treat our senior citizens with respect and we consider that continued advice and assistance is the most effective approach to tackle this problem.

The target audiences of road safety campaigns change from year to year depending on circumstances. In 1993/94, the prime target group was drivers to discourage fast driving and driving too close to the vehicle in front. In 1994/95, the emphasis was on the need to develop good driving habits, as well as on pedestrians (those aged under 15 and over 60) on correct road behaviour. In 1995/96, we highlighted the consequences of "Drink Driving". For 1996/97, the main campaign theme is "Pedestrian Safety", with a sub-theme on safety of elderly pedestrians. The need for drivers to remain alert will be highlighted.

End

Casualties of Elderly People (60 Years and Over)

Involved in Traffic Accidents

Fatal

Serious

Slight

Total

1993

145

707

1,378

2,230

1994

107

675

1,389

2,171

1995

101

631

1,303

2,037

Annex