MEASURES TO ADDRESS IRRESPONSIBLE AND DRINK-DRIVING IN VIEW OF HIKE IN ROAD ACCIDENTS IN 1H 2023
On 3 August 2023, I spoke on a motion highlighting the relatively high level of fatal accidents here compared to several other cities in advanced countries. I noted the doubling of the fatalities in the first 3 months of this year compared to the same period last year. I suggested that anti-crash technology be adopted for motorcycles.
Since then, Traffic Police issued its half yearly report in which it was stated that the fatality rate for the 1st 6 months of the year, as compared to the corresponding period last year, increased by 61.4%. Drink-driving cases increased despite Parliament passing legislation in 2019 to allow the courts to impose stiffer sentences. Concerned about these figures and trends, I asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether the strategy of deterrence put in place in 2019 is working and what further steps will be taken to address the problem.
My question and the Minister’s answer are set out below.
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Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Home Affairs having regard to the significant increase in the number of road traffic accidents and fatalities in the first half of 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 (a) whether the strategy of strengthening deterrence against irresponsible driving put in place in 2019 is working; and (b) what specific steps are taken to address the increase in drink-driving accidents and the disproportional representation of elderly pedestrians and motorcyclists amongst those who suffered injuries or died in road traffic accidents.
Mr K Shanmugam: Member Mr Melvin Yong raised a similar question for the sitting on 3 October 2023. In our reply, we explained the reasons for the increase in road traffic fatalities in the first half of 2023. The reasons for the increase in overall traffic accidents are similar.
A longer period of monitoring will be required to make any meaningful assessment of whether the amendments to the Road Traffic Act in 2019 have been effective.
Nonetheless, the increase in number of accidents and fatalities is a concern. To address this, the Traffic Police (TP) have stepped up their three-pronged approach of education, engagement and enforcement. We had also outlined in our reply to Mr Melvin Yong, some of the measures TP will put in place to address these trends.
