A 37-year-old woman has been charged with dangerous driving after allegedly allowing a young boy to sit on her lap while she drove near Kin Shu Road outside Kin Shu House in Lei Muk Shue Estate, reports said.
According to i-CABLE News, the incident happened on a Friday afternoon as the car travelled through the area. The vehicle was reported to be an electric private car displaying both mainland and Hong Kong number plates. The reports did not disclose the child’s exact age or his relationship with the driver.
Ming Pao reported that the New Territories South Regional Traffic Unit took up the investigation and initially classified the case as dangerous driving before the woman was charged. Police had also noticed an online video involving the vehicle, in which the child appeared to be close to the steering wheel, the newspaper said. The report did not establish the identities or intentions of the people shown in the footage.
No one was reported injured, according to i-CABLE News. Ming Pao quoted police as saying that dangerous driving carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment, a HK$25,000 fine and a driving disqualification of at least six months.
Ming Pao also reported that children under eight who are shorter than 1.35 metres must use a child restraint in a private car. Those aged eight or above, or at least 1.35 metres tall, must use a child restraint or an adult seat belt. The reports did not say whether the woman had appeared in court, or give a first hearing date or next procedural step.