Compilation of the 11 Most Dangerous 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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.