Hong Kong has introduced new road traffic safety regulations stating that, starting January 25, all passengers on public transport and commercial vehicles must wear seat belts. Passengers on buses are required to wear seat belts if their seats are equipped with them; failure to do so is considered illegal, with a maximum fine of HK$5,000 and up to three months' imprisonment.
Today (Jan. 26) marks the first working day following the implementation of the bus seat belt regulations, and reporters from DotDotNews observed that most passengers on several Citybus buses have begun to wear seat belts. Many of Citybus' double-decker buses are equipped with seat belts on the upper deck, leading most passengers to buckle up upon boarding. However, on the lower deck, seat belts are only available in the last two rows, meaning that passengers in seats without seat belts are not required to wear them. Numerous buses displayed signs on the windshields reading "please buckle up."
Moreover, reporters noted that passengers on the upper deck sometimes unbuckle their seat belts to prepare to disembark before the vehicle has come to a complete stop, leading to potential safety hazards when they attempt to descend the stairs.
Passenger Ms. Wong commented that the recent cold weather has caused people to wear multiple layers, making it somewhat inconvenient to fasten seat belts. Mr. Lee, another passenger, mentioned that some seat belts are difficult to pull out, requiring a slower motion to retract them slightly before smoothly pulling them out. Some passengers also noted that several buses lack announcements reminding passengers to wear seat belts and suggested increasing broadcast notifications in the bus compartments to make everyone aware of the new regulations.
Additionally, the "open-top Night Tour" bus is popular among travelers, and those planning to ride it expressed concerns as the upper deck does not have seat belts, fearing accidents on steep roads. In response, Citybus stated that they provide safety notices inside the sightseeing buses and that seat belts are installed in accordance with relevant regulations on seats without obstructions in both upper and lower decks. Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) indicated that they will continue to introduce more buses equipped with seat belts on all seats through their bus replacement program to enhance passenger safety.
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