XN000022-1996-06-07 — Page 24

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"We are very encouraged by the figure. It shows that increased awareness, courtesy and care on the part of both drivers and pedestrians, in conjunction with the work of the Road Safety Council can make a difference in reducing the accident toll on our roads," a spokesman of the Council said.

"Since the Road Safety Council was formed in 1973, different concerned group such as the Road Safety Association, the Hong Kong Automobile Association and the Institute of Advanced Motorists have been working closely with government departments to create an environment with less traffic hazards.

"However, we should not be complacent about this encouraging drop in accidents. Traffic accident casualties are still too high. We will continue to explore other ways to disseminate road safety messages to all sectors of the community and to create a safer road environment for all."

For the coming year, the Road Safety Council will launch a campaign on pedestrian safety targeting at the elderly and the Chinese immigrants.

A sum of $500,000 has been set aside for the publicity campaign which will be contracted out to an advertising agency.

There are about 580,000 elderly people aged 65 and above in Hong Kong. They are physically weak, very vulnerable to injuries while at the same time many are unaware of road safety rules and practices which could protect them.

The Council is also looking into ways to communicate with the Chinese immigrants and educate them on road users codes in Hong Kong.

The Road Safety Council was formed in 1973 to co-ordinate actions and develop proposals to prevent traffic accidents and provide advice on policies for consideration by the Transport Advisory Committee.

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