Safety first: Secretary for Transport & Housing Eva Cheng (2nd left) officiates at the launch of the Safe Driving & Health Campaign.

Secretary for Transport & Housing Eva Cheng today launched a campaign to encourage professional drivers to enhance their safety and health awareness through publicity and education.

The Safe Driving & Health Campaign will feature health-check days and safety seminars for working drivers.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ms Cheng said drivers should watch for health problems resulting from long hours behind the wheel, often in busy traffic. She urged them to take part in the health-check days to be held in Tuen Mun, Sha Tin, Kowloon Tong, Wan Chai and Happy Valley next month. Drivers' body-mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other health indicators will be taken.

The department will organise 11 safety seminars to brief drivers on the latest road-safety regulations, traffic offences and professional safety information.

Stickers and souvenirs will be distributed to promote the campaign to drivers and the public.