Hong Kong records 23 elderly pedestrian deaths in first three quarters
Hong Kong's Transport Department reported over 600 elderly pedestrians were injured or killed in traffic accidents in the first nine months of the year, with 23 deaths, up from last year. The department issued road safety tips for seniors.
The Hong Kong Transport Department said that more than 600 pedestrians aged 65 or older were injured or killed in traffic accidents in the first three quarters of this year, with 23 fatalities, an increase compared with the same period last year.
In a social media post, the department reminded elderly people not to rush when crossing roads and stressed that safety is the most important consideration. It also offered safety tips for crossing roads, including wearing glasses or hearing aids before leaving home if needed, planning routes in advance and choosing the safest way to cross, and using footbridges, pedestrian tunnels, zebra crossings or signalised crossings where possible.
The department noted that some vehicles, such as electric cars, are quieter when running and advised seniors to be aware of this. It also warned against walking between gaps in stationary or slow-moving vehicles.