Drive safely: Commissioner for Transport Robert Footman distributes safe driving leaflets and asks drivers to consider the lives of all when on the road.

Commissioner for Transport Robert Footman has called on minibus drivers to boost their safety awareness.

Visiting minibus stands at Tung Choi and Fife Streets in Mong Kok today, Mr Footman distributed safe driving leaflets and asked drivers to consider the lives of all when on the road.

From 1999 to 2003, the average number of accidents involving minibuses was more than 1,000 cases annually. In the first nine months of last year, the number was about 800, seeing more than 1,300 people injured.

Anyone who exceeds the speed limit commits an offence and faces a $4,000 fine and a six-month driving ban. Failure to comply with traffic signals is also an offence that can lead to a $10,000 fine and six months jail.