In 2022, the Singapore Police Force released a report1 observing an uptick in traffic accidents in the first half of the year, echoing concerns of road safety from politicians and citizens alike.
As Singapore’s COVID-19 safety management measures ease, more have returned to the roads. We look at some of the top causes of traffic accidents to be aware of so you can stay safe and vigilant on the road.
Running red lights
It’s a concerning habit commonly seen – drivers speeding up at an amber light instead of slowing down, just to save a few seconds in their commute.
However, a decision to beat the red light can come with an eye-watering penalty of 12 demerit points to a license with two additional demerit points added should the offence be committed in school or Silver Zones2 – both groups which form a majority of pedestrian fatalities. Offenders may also incur up to S$500 in fines – notwithstanding the catastrophic consequences of injuring or worse, killing another road user.
Penalties, red light cameras and education are common deterrence tools used by the traffic police, but there remains a small proportion of errant drivers who show blatant disregard for common road rules. It always pays to slow down, and not tailgate one another when approaching a traffic light, regardless of what colour it’s showing.
Speeding
We’ve heard them all – whether it's an urgent rush to a family emergency or to the bathroom, there’s always someone pleading their case after being caught speeding.
Following the phenomena of rushing, driving over the speed limit is another common contributor to road accidents, with the same report1 indicating an increase of 4.2% from the first half of 2021 to the first half of 2022 in speeding-related offences. Speeding not only reduces the driver’s ability to react in time, but it also affects how quickly car brakes can stop in time – often resulting in drivers losing control of their car altogether.
The consequences are even more frightening when we consider vulnerable zones where children or the elderly frequent, so plan trips ahead to ensure there’s no rush and always abide by the speed limits no matter how empty the roads may seem.
Drink-driving
It’s a familiar sight for anyone driving down an expressway in the wee hours – rows of vehicles stopped for random breathalyser tests by the traffic police. While it may seem like daytime TV, it’s no laughing matter when we consider the repercussions of such reckless behaviour.
In 2022, the number of drink-driving accidents decreased by 9%1 from the first half of 2021, but this contrasts with the increased number of drivers arrested for being behind the wheel while under a boozy influence. From being a public nuisance to being involved in grievous accidents and causing serious harm to other road users, driving with less than full clarity is always a bad idea – let alone under the guise of alcohol.
The buzz from alcohol can impair any driver, so designate a driver or book a cab instead of assuming it’s harmless to drive despite the fog of too many tipples.
Distracted driving
In an age of perpetual productivity and endless scrolling, it’s perhaps not surprising that road accidents can arise from drivers and pedestrians being distracted by a myriad of tasks.
Answering a call, reading a text, or fumbling for something in their car or bag – all it takes is a quick distraction before a stop sign is missed or an approaching car barrels into a student with their nose in their phone.
Trust us – that phone call, text or urgent email can wait, considering it could cost so much more to multi-task. It’s important to note that under Singapore law, what constitutes as use of a mobile device encompasses anything from watching a video to fiddling with the GPS function whilst the vehicle is on the move, so instead of risking lives with a distraction, find a safe spot to pull over if there is something you must see to.
Jaywalking
Road accidents aren’t always the driver’s fault. Despite plenty of pedestrian crossings, traffic lights and even overhead bridges, jaywalkers are a common sight.
Crossing roads where they shouldn’t or unabashedly flouting traffic light rules, some jaywalkers imagine they are entitled to the roads and that ioncoming vehicles should stop for them.
However, pedestrians are often surprised to find their unwise choices may render them paying a fine of up to S$50, or even serving a jail term of up to three months2 if repeatedly caught endangering their lives. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and no, you will not be fast enough to avoid a vehicle which can’t stop in time.
Whether you’re a driver, a passenger in a cab or pedestrian on busy streets, it always pays to be vigilant on the road. It’s also important to have a reliable insurer to see you through if the unexpected happens – after all, worrying about a mounting hospital bill and a wrecked car doesn’t help anyone trying to recuperate!
Driving a little slower, keeping a safe distance or simply reminding one another of the right thing to do when it comes to road rules may go a long way to reducing accidents, and might even save a life.
Notes
1. Source: Singapore Police Force, Mid Year Traffic Situation 2022, accessed on 19 January 2023.
2. Source: One Motoring, Driving Rules and Information, accessed on 20 January 2023.
