Hong Kong police arrest 24 drivers in two-week crackdown after road death surge

Hong Kong police have apprehended 24 drivers and issued more than 4,000 tickets during a two-week operation aimed at curbing dangerous driving and jaywalking. The crackdown, known as “Clearview” and “Autobinder,” specifically targeted offenses such as using mobile phones while driving, speeding, tailgating, and disregarding traffic signals and signs.

Officers issued 4,070 fixed penalty tickets and 153 summonses. In addition to traffic violations, 24 drivers were arrested on suspicion of offenses including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and driving without a license. Pedestrians were not exempt, with 630 summonses and 367 warnings issued for jaywalking.

The intensified enforcement came in response to a concerning rise in traffic-related fatalities. Between January and May, 51 deaths were recorded, marking a more than 40 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Pedestrians accounted for approximately half of these victims. Police identified jaywalking and driver inattention as primary causes, noting that commercial vehicles were most frequently involved in fatal incidents.

Authorities stated they will continue these crackdowns to enhance road safety awareness. Careless driving can result in a HK$5,000 fine and six months imprisonment, while jaywalking carries a fine of up to HK$2,000.

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they would continue cracking down on jaywalking and distracted driving to increase road safety awareness among drivers and pedestrians.