
Compilation of the 11 Most Dangerous Traffic Black Spots in Hong Kong
Whether you're a driver or a pedestrian, everyone wishes for zero accidents on the road. Unfortunately, traffic accidents still occur frequently. Besides vehicle collisions, many of these accidents involve pedestrian fatalities. This article by Kwiksure highlights the 11 most dangerous traffic black spots in Hong Kong, aiming to make both drivers and pedestrians more cautious and reduce traffic accidents.
We also provide methods for handling car accidents so that, in case of an unfortunate event, you won't be flustered. Understanding the next steps after an accident is crucial. Failing to follow the correct procedures could not only lead to insurance claim denials but also legal trouble!
11 High-Risk Traffic Black Spots in Hong Kong
In recent years, theTransport Department has actively improved road facilities, such as adding colored lights at pedestrian crossings and posting traffic safety graphics on traffic light controllers to promote adherence to traffic rules and proper use of pedestrian facilities. However, according to Hong Kong Police Force data, there were nearly 15,000 traffic accidents in 2023, with over 14,000 being minor accidents, and the number of fatalities reached 92.
To make it easier for drivers and pedestrians to identify traffic black spots, the Transport Department has added "black spot" indicators on road signs to denote locations where six or more pedestrian-involved accidents or nine or more accidents involving any casualties occurred in the past year. Here are the top 11 traffic black spots:
1. Tsuen Tsing Interchange
In May 2020, a collision between two vehicles occurred at Tsuen Wan Interchange.
The interchange, where multiple main roads converge, is a key route to New Territories West, the airport, Tsing Yi, and Kowloon. The heavy traffic and many impatient drivers who leave the roundabout from the inner lane result in a high accident rate, mostly minor collisions, but can cause traffic congestion extending for miles.
2. Tsuen Kam Interchange
In March 2021, a truck lost control and crashed into a kerb at Tsuen Kam Interchange, leaving half of the vehicle's body suspended in the air.
Situated at the foot of Tai Mo Shan, Tsuen Kam Interchange connects important areas such as Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, Sha Tin, and Kowloon. The three-lane roundabout often leads drivers to unconsciously speed, causing frequent accidents.
3. Mong Kok Argyle Street
In May last year, a seven-seater lost control at the intersection of Sai Yee Street and Argyle Street and hit a traffic light.
The section of Argyle Street in Mong Kok, which is congested and has many traffic lights, often sees drivers rushing to escape traffic congestion, leading to collisions. Adding to that, the high number of pedestrians and their disregard for pedestrian signals increase the risk.
4. Sham Shui Po North Street Market Area
In February 2021, a man was knocked down by a vehicle in Sham Shui Po and later died in hospital.
The area around Apliu Street, Yu Chau Street, and Ki Lung Street near the Pei Ho Street Market is packed with street stalls and pedestrians, leading to frequent fights for road usage between vehicles and pedestrians. Drivers and pedestrians should stay highly alert in this area.
5. Wan Chai Wan Chai Road - Heard / Burrows Street
According to data from 2015 to 2019, the 86-meter stretch between Heard Street and Paterson Street had the highest density of pedestrian-related accidents in Hong Kong, with 21 accidents reported over four years.
6. Wan Chai Gloucester Road / Fenwick Street
In October 2019, a taxi and a truck collided while preparing to turn onto Fenwick Street.
Although the pedestrian flow on Fenwick Street is not as high as Mong Kok, it is an important road leading into Wan Chai from the Eastern District. High vehicle volumes turning left from Gloucester Road onto Fenwick Street often lead to accidents with pedestrians crossing the street.
7. Tsuen Wan Yeung Uk Road Market
In September last year, a 76-year-old woman was hit by a seven-seater while crossing the road at Chuen Lung Street.
Similar to the Sham Shui Po market area, the vicinity of Yeung Uk Road and Ho Pui Street is busy with wet market activity and frequent truck traffic, leading to many conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians.
8. Kwun Tong Kwun Tong Road - Lai Yip Street / Lei Yue Mun Road
In February 2021, a traffic accident occurred near the intersection of Lai Yip Street in Kwun Tong.
Lai Yip Street and Lei Yue Mun Road in East Kowloon are identified as traffic black spots by the Transport Department. Data shows that over the past year, these areas had six or more pedestrian-related accidents which resulted in injuries or deaths.
9. Jordan Austin Road - Cheong Wan Road / Chatham Road South / Canton Road / Austin Road West
In July 2023, a collision occurred between two taxis on Austin Road West in Tsim Sha Tsui, with one taxi crashing into the kerb.
Austin Road in Jordan, extending from the Polytechnic University to the West Kowloon waterfront, intersects with several roads. These intersections, including Cheong Wan Road, Chatham Road South, Canton Road, and Austin Road West, are black spots due to frequent collisions and pedestrian injuries.
10. Tuen Mun Road - Ting Kau Section
In July last year, a private car skidded and overturned on Tuen Mun Road.
This bend, located shortly after the Ting Kau Bridge entrance, is known for frequent accidents. The bend's outward slope, combined with high speeds and poor tire grip, often results in skidding.
11. Tolo Highway - Kwong Fuk Estate Section
In April 2021, four accidents involving 14 vehicles occurred on Tolo Highway in merely 16 minutes.
As the population in Northeast New Territories grows, traffic on Tolo Highway heading towards the city has increased, especially during the morning rush hour. The right bend in front of Kwong Fuk Estate is a hotspot for accidents due to traffic merging and reduced speeds, compounded by morning sunlight affecting drivers' visibility.
Driving Tips for Traffic Black Spots
Although accidents are often unforeseen and hard to predict, drivers should always stay vigilant. Learning some driving techniques can help reduce the risk of accidents when navigating black spots:
- Slow down in advance
- Maintain a longer stopping distance than usual from the vehicle ahead
- Adopt a yielding attitude
- When driving in the leftmost lane, slightly move away from the pedestrian area to prevent sudden pedestrian crossings
Handling Car Accidents: The Three Key Steps
If an accident occurs, it can be categorized into three situations: "you hit another vehicle/person," "another vehicle hits you," and "you hit an object (self-collision)." Regardless of the situation or severity, the initial steps are the same:
1. Stay Calm
It might sound obvious, but many people forget this after an accident. Being panicked or angry can lead to poor decisions or worsen the situation.
2. Check for Injuries
Besides yourself, check if any passengers are injured. Be aware that some injuries or symptoms might not appear immediately, so even minor discomfort should be reported. If anyone is injured, report it to the police immediately. Do not refrain from reporting to avoid trouble, as minor discomfort could worsen quickly.
3. Stop the Vehicle and Exit Safely
Avoid moving the vehicle unless the situation is dangerous. According to road regulations, vehicles involved in accidents should not be moved or disturbed unless authorized by police. Stop the vehicle, turn off the engine, use the handbrake, and safely exit or wait for assistance inside your own vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will apologizing to the other driver after an accident affect my insurance claim?
Some drivers apologize out of panic, but unless you are certain you caused the accident, avoid saying "sorry" or similar phrases. This could imply admission of fault, which might affect insurance claims and legal outcomes. It's best to wait for the police to determine fault.
What should I do if I have an accident on a highway/tunnel?
If your vehicle breaks down on a highway, turn on the hazard lights and move the vehicle to the shoulder. In a tunnel, turn off the engine, turn on the hazard lights, wear your seatbelt, and stay inside the vehicle. For more details, refer to the driving guide for highway or tunnel breakdowns.
How is responsibility determined in a multi-vehicle pile-up?
Multi-vehicle pile-ups can be classified as "rear-end collisions" or "push collisions." It is advisable to report to the police to determine fault. For more details, refer to the compensation guide for multi-vehicle collision.
