Police-1968-1969 — Page 46

which was mounted in conjunction with the Road Safety Association, attracted considerable interest, particularly among the younger visitors to the exhibition.

159. The Road Safety Section took part in, or organized, a series of functions including poster competitions, bicycle contests, a fashion show, film shows, and charity bazaars.

160. As part of the overall scheme to improve driving standards a number of Police drivers attended an intensive course of advanced driving instruction and, on completion, were tested by independent examiners of the Hong Kong Institute of Advanced Motorists. A very high percentage of passes was obtained. The successful students are now employed either as instructors at the Police Driving School or as crews in Traffic Branch 'Panda' cars. These cars patrol throughout the Colony with the drivers setting an example of courteous, competent driving for other motorists to follow and, at the same time, take action by warning or prosecution against motorists who infringe the road traffic legislation.

161. From 24th to 27th January, 1969 a number of Police officers, both from the Traffic Branch and from divisions, attended an inter- national Road Safety Conference held in Hong Kong under the auspices of the Road Safety Association. The conference, the first of its kind to be held in Asia, was most successful and attracted 200 delegates from 10 countries.

ROAD ACCIDENTS

162. The year's total of road accidents involving personal injury was 11,983, and increase of nine compared with the previous year. Comparative accident statistics for the past five years are as follows:

1964-65

1965-66

1966-67

1967-68

1968-69

Fatal accidents

284

260

264

Involving serious injuries

2,609

2,633

3,197

302

3,669

301

3,770

Involving alight injuries

6,439

5,829

5,725

6,240

5,588

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

163. A total of 201,736 prosecutions for offences against the road traffic law were initiated during the year. Comparative statistics for the past five years are shown in Appendix 17. While the number of prosecutions has risen considerably this figure reflects only a part of the enforcement effort for, in addition, many offenders were cautioned, either verbally or in writing, in respect of minor offences committed.

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