24th March 2023 – (Hong Kong) 87 injuries were reported in a five-vehicle collision on Tseung Kwan O Road this afternoon (24th). Legislative Councillor Stanley Li Sai-wing has suggested that the government legislate to regulate the wearing of seat belts by bus and tour bus passengers to reduce the incidence of accidents and fatalities.
According to Li’s preliminary understanding of the traffic accident, several vehicles were following a minibus that had stopped to refuel but quickly left, causing the trailing vehicles to lose control and resulting in the accident. He recommended that the government legislate to require the wearing of seat belts by bus and tour bus passengers, pointing out that wearing seat belts could reduce the death and serious injury rate by 70% and 40%, respectively, in the event of a head-on collision. He also quoted the Secretary for Transport and Housing and the Director of Transport as saying that the authorities have a chance to submit relevant legislation to the Legislative Council for review and reconsideration within this year. Li hopes that the injured will recover soon and expresses his heartfelt wishes and greetings to them.
The accident occurred on a busy section of Tseung Kwan O Road and involved five vehicles, including a minibus and several private cars. The collision caused multiple injuries, and emergency services rushed to the scene to provide treatment and transport the injured to hospital.
Li pointed out that the incident once again highlights the importance of seat belt use, especially on buses and tour buses, which carry a large number of passengers. He believes that if seat belts were mandatory, it would significantly reduce the number of injuries and fatalities in the event of accidents.
The government has been discussing the issue of mandatory seat belt use on buses and tour buses for some time, and Li’s proposal adds weight to the need for prompt action. If the relevant legislation is passed, it could help to improve the safety of passengers on buses and tour buses and reduce the number of injuries and fatalities in traffic accidents.