Safety drive: Olympic cyclist Wong Kam-po, Chairman of the Road Safety Campaign Committee Lawrence Yu, Road Safety Council Chairman Peter Yam and Chairman of the Road Safety Research Committee Ching Kam-cheong launch the Road Safety Campaign.

Hong Kong's road accident death toll in the first 10 months was 114, down 9.5% on last year, with the number of road accidents falling by 5.9% to 11,963 and the number of people injured dropping 6.4% to 15,330.

Speaking at the launch of the Road Safety Campaign 2008 today, Road Safety Council Chairman and Deputy Commissioner of Police Peter Yam said Hong Kong's road accident fatality rate last year was the seventh lowest among major world cities, and the lowest in Asia.

Hong Kong's road safety situation has maintained a satisfactory level thanks to road safety publicity and the community's concerted efforts, he said.

To further reduce fatal and serious road accidents Mr Yam said the council will focus on promoting safety for the elderly and cyclists, and new anti-drink driving legislation to be enacted early next year.

Achieving zero accidents is the vision of the council, Mr Yam said, adding it will work with Government departments, District Councils, transport operators and community groups to publicise safety messages to the public.

A half-hour television special on the ceremony will be aired at 11pm December 23 on TVB Jade channel.