Editorial | Hong Kong’s tighter seat belt rules are welcome but more can be done
Greater public awareness is required as the city makes long-overdue amendments to road safety rules
Restraint devices will be required for children under eight or shorter than 1.35 metres in private cars from Saturday. The safety benefits are well known. The UK introduced similar rules in 2006.
Calls for change in Hong Kong mounted after a crash on the Tolo Highway in 2023, in which an eight-month-old boy was thrown from a car. The new rule is much needed. But the fixed penalty of HK$230 for breaching the amended law is far too low and unlikely to act as a deterrent. Consideration should be given to increasing it.
Amendments to the law will also mandate the fitting of all newly registered private and commercial vehicles with belts for every seat from January 25 next year. This is an extension of existing, more limited legislation. Passengers will face a fine if they fail to wear seat belts when they are available.
Administrative steps have been taken in recent years to ensure that more seat belts are provided in vehicles such as those used for school children. Bus companies have also been installing belts. But there is still much work to be done to ensure all seats on all vehicles are suitably equipped. No passenger should be deprived of a seat belt. Studies show they reduce the risk of death in an accident by 40 per cent and the chances of serious injury by 70 per cent. The new measures must be strictly enforced and complied with.
New restrictions, also from January 25, will limit the number and size of mobile devices drivers can attach to their dashboard. Only two will be allowed. The use of multiple phones, popular with ride-hailing drivers, can act as a dangerous distraction. The rule change is welcome.