Safety drive: Commissioner for Transport Robert Footman drives home the road safety message.

In 2004 there were 166 road deaths and 160 fatal accidents, the lowest figures since 1959 and 1960, and the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads was for the first time in 30 years below 3,000.

To promote road safety, more than 150 taxi drivers gathered at the Tamar Site in Admiralty today pledging to strive for zero accidents.

Officiating at the ceremony, Commissioner for Transport Robert Footman said: "I am glad to see more than 100 taxi drivers here to show their support on promoting road safety.

"There are many taxis on Hong Kong roads every day. With your help, we can take a step closer to the vision of zero accidents on our roads."

Safer ways

Drivers pledged to:

* drive carefully;

* comply with traffic signals and signs;

* stop speeding and red-light jumping;

* be alert;

* keep the "2-second" distance with other vehicles;

* respect pedestrians and other road users;

* note the proper vehicle operation;

* remind passengers to wear seatbelts; and,

* care for passengers boarding or alighting.

Other campaign programmes include:

* the display of advertisements on 130 urban, New Territories and Lantau taxis to enhance road safety awareness; and,

* an exhibition tour on road safety will be held at offices of taxi trade associations.