Crackdown on jaywalkers as pedestrian death toll mounts

Police will launch another round of anti-jaywalking campaign this month after more than two-thirds of traffic fatalities involved pedestrians in the first nine months this year.

In an interview with Sing Tao Probe, chief inspector Sam Lam Kai-sum of the police traffic branch (road safety) said Hong Kong recorded a total of 75 fatal traffic accidents from January to September, a 21 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

"On average, two people lose their lives in traffic accidents every week," Lam said.

Out of the 68 percent of fatalities, 51 people were pedestrians, and 31 were senior citizens aged 65 or above.

"This showed that elderly people are still the most vulnerable to traffic accidents," Lam said.

Police had launched a three-week citywide enforcement action in August and September to combat pedestrians and drivers who violate traffic regulations, with officers handing out a HK$2,000 fixed penalty tickets to nearly 1,800 pedestrians.

Lam said the number of fixed penalty tickets issued in the latest round of the anti-jaywalking campaign has increased 44 percent compared to the same period last year.

Pedestrians - who fail to abide by traffic signals, climbing over roadside fences and negligently endangering their own or another person's safety when crossing the road - are liable to a fine of up to HK$2,000, according to Road Traffic (Traffic Control) Regulations.

"It's a minor matter for paying fines, it's a big deal in protecting lives," said Lam, as he hopes the campaign can raise awareness of the issue.

Lam said people jaywalk due to impatience or for the sake of convenience. Some thought they would be lucky for not getting caught, and underestimated the vehicle speed and distance.

Lam added that drivers involved in traffic accidents are primarily due to carelessness, distractions, and a lack of awareness regarding blind spots.

Police also noted that about three-fourth of jaywalkers ran off the road while the 'red man' signal was lit, and they did not use a footbridge even if there was one nearby. Lam slammed such behaviors as irresponsible and that it would seriously affect the safety of other road users.