Motorists beware! Every day in the past 12 months, between August 2006 and July 2007, 87 drivers on average were prosecuted by the police for using mobile handsets during driving.
The police statistics showed that during the period there were a total of 31,819 prosecution cases due to drivers using mobile handsets, including holding the mobile handsets in their hands or between their head and shoulders while driving.
Under the law, the maximum penalty for offenders is a fine of $2,000.
Drivers are reminded that besides contravening the law, such behaviour during driving is very dangerous putting their own lives and those of the passengers at serious peril.
If talking over the phone is unavoidable, they must use handsfree devices. Included in this September issue of CHOICE is a comprehensive test report on 29 Bluetooth handsets providing useful reference to consumers in the selection of this product.
Motorists are nonetheless advised not to talk on the phone while driving as it will distract their attention particularly in the event of an emergency.
| CHOICE magazine is now also available online (at https://echoice.consumer.org.hk/) and via fixed-line and mobile services of PCCW. Members from the media who are invited by this Council to the Press Conference may quote the content of this Press Statement. The Consumer Council reserves all its right (including copyright) in respect of CHOICE Magazine and Online CHOICE ( https://echoice.consumer.org.hk/ ). |