‘Too sick to be driving’: Taxi driver pleads guilty after hitting 8 people with cab

Lawyers representing a former taxi driver who crashed his vehicle into eight pedestrians in Causeway Bay two years ago say he should not have been behind the wheel because of his multiple medical conditions.

According to medical records presented in District Court this morning, 72-year-old Lau Wing-see suffers from diabetes, lung problems, and cataracts, according to hk01. Personally, we’d be most worried about the whole “not seeing” thing in that list.

Lau also pled guilty to one count of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, and two counts of using a vehicle not in good and serviceable condition.

The latter of the two charges were for a missing taxi meter part, and for a clip on the driver’s seat that prevents the seat belt from fully retracting — not quite on the same level as the whole “running over eight people” part.

In mitigating statements, lawyers said Lau was a hardworking man who worked as a salesman until he retired, but continued working as a part-time driver because he did not want to rely on welfare benefits.

According to Headline Daily, lawyers said Lau is no longer driving and currently working as a cleaner.

In November 2016, Lau was behind the wheel when his taxi swerved onto the pavement outside the SOGO department store on Hennessy Road.

Eight people were injured in the incident. Although most of the victims walked away unaided, two of the victims suffered bone fractures and knee injuries.

Lau was released on bail, and a sentence is expected on Monday.

According to the Road Traffic Ordinance, dangerous driving causing bodily harm carries a maximum penalty of seven years in jail and a HK$50,000 fine (US$6,390), while driving a vehicle not in good or serviceable condition can land you a HK$10,000 (US$1,280) fine and six months imprisonment.



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