Important HK remains one of the world's safest cities

In the wake of two storms that hit Hong Kong - Typhoon Hato and Tropical Storm Pakhar - life gradually returns back to normal. In the face of the might of nature, property damage, fallen trees and injuries are difficult to avoid. But fortunately for Hong Kong no one was killed. We did experience serious flooding in some places and even a landslide but preventive work done over the years has helped contain the damage. It is hoped we will continue to invest in the safety of our city and that Hong Kong will be renowned for the safety it offers to residents and tourists alike.

Today, safety and security have become the most important condition, indeed a prerequisite, for a city to succeed as a world city. Without an assurance about safety and security, talents and investment will not come. And it is not just economics that is at issue here. Safety and security will take away one important source of worries, so people will feel happy and comfortable to raise a family. But safety and security require good sense and particularly a consideration for others. Safety and security are not just the responsibility of the government; they are also the responsibility of everybody. There was a gentleman, caught on camera, swimming in the rough waters of the harbor despite the storm. The gentleman should know that if anything goes wrong, those who come to his rescue will have to risk their lives. But mindless people like him are aplenty. Recall a couple of years back, at the height of a severe cold spell, firemen had to take risks going up Tai Mo Shan to rescue people who wanted to see "snow". At the time the road leading to the peak was frozen, and many visitors suffered frostbite. In March this year, fireman Yau Siu-ming lost his life when he fell during an all-night search and rescue operation to save a couple who were trapped in a treacherous part of Ma On Shan Country Park.

Hong Kong already counts among the world's safest cities but its "infrastructure safety" is low. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit's city safety index: "While it scores top for the quality of its roads, it is mid-table for the number of vehicle accidents per year and one from the bottom for the number of annual pedestrian deaths." We still have drunk drivers, overworked drivers, drivers who slam into the back of stalled vehicles or roadwork vehicles, drivers who race on our roads, drivers who cannot tolerate another car blocking their way and who prefer rushing over safety. Hong Kong's industrial safety, especially that on construction sites, also leaves much to be desired.

Hong Kong is well known for its freedom from crime and violence in streets, and people of different cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds live in harmony. We are well positioned to become the world's safest and most peaceful city. But all these achievements in safety and security cannot be taken for granted.

We need public education to promote civilized behavior and consideration for others and this should also be reflected in the self and personal development module of liberal education at school. We need to remind everybody that prevention is better than remedy. Prevention of course will require a sacrifice. But the sacrifice is well worth it because it will mean less loss of lives and fewer injuries.

We need better road designs and signs. Very often, accidents occur because the road signs are not clear. When drivers hesitate accidents are more likely. Some sites are called traffic-accident black spots because crashes often happen there, suggesting the road design could be problematic.

We need to be stricter with people recklessly risking their own lives. People taking such risks are seldom punished but they should be. If existing laws do not provide for charging these people for an offense, new laws may need to be enacted.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks are particularly dangerous. Not too long ago in To Kwa Wan an explosion occurred early in the morning in a cafe-restaurant. Four people were injured, two critically. The explosion also damaged four vehicles parked close by as well as the screen gate for a store on the other side of the street. Similar accidents also occurred in 2015 and last year, suggesting there may be inherent safety issues that have not yet been addressed. The government needs to take a proactive approach to contain the problem.

I very much hope Hong Kong people share the vision that Hong Kong should be among the world's safest cities. Hong Kong is nearly there already. It just takes a little more determination and attention. The SAR government should be explicit about this vision. Realizing the vision will not only make our city more livable and more competitive but also an example to the world.

(HK Edition 08/29/2017 page8)