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Worst car accidents in Singapore involving dangerous driving. What can we learn?
“The driver of a blue Toyota Prius car which was caught on video weaving in and out of traffic was arrested on Monday (Jan 23, 2017) for dangerous driving, said police.” straitstimes.com
Singapore is a fast moving city with over half a million cars on the road, and there is never a positive outcome from dangerous driving.
The road safety team at Budget Direct Insurance asks the question – what can we learn from car accidents that have involved dangerous driving?
Following these examples, you will find road safety advice to help when driving in Singapore.
Quick facts
Running a red light and speeding
1. Marina Boulevard
A dash cam captured a grey van speeding into a junction as traffic from Marina Boulevard moved off on a green light. The van narrowly missed one motorcycle, then collided with another motorcycle and a white McLaren sports car. The severity of the impact caused the motorcyclist’s helmet to fly off. The sports car was pushed sideways crashing into a traffic light.
After the accident, Certis Cisco officers stopped to direct traffic. Other passers-by, including foreign workers from a nearby construction site and tourists also came to help.
A police spokesman later explained that the motorcyclist had died after being admitted to Singapore General Hospital. The van driver was arrested for causing death by a rash act.
2. Bugis
A speeding Ferrari claimed the lives of three people at the junction with Raffles Hospital after running a red light. The fast-moving car slammed into a taxi causing another impact with a passing motorcycle.
The taxi driver – a father of three, the Ferrari driver and one of his young female passengers all died of the injuries they sustained.
3. Multi-storey car park, Singapore
A grey Honda was caught by a security camera speeding down the ramp at a multi-storey car park. The speed, coupled with a sharp bend, caused the driver to lose control and the Honda crashed into a number of stationary cars.
The driver looked to be slightly dazed and then drove the Honda away from the scene without notifying anyone. A motorcyclist appeared to have witnessed the event and drove off after the car.
4. Road rage, PIE
All driving experts will tell you the same thing. Road rage never leads to a positive outcome. As tempting as it may be, aggravating any situation when driving can make a bad situation infinitely worse. Take this example involving an angry driver on the PIE:
“HE BRAKED on the expressway to make a rude hand gesture at a stranger - and caused a nine- vehicle pile-up that killed a motorcyclist.” straitstimes.com, July 2015
Travelling at speed, the angry driver braked causing the vehicles behind to pile-up. The force of impact between a motorcyclist and a lorry broke the bike into two. The motorcyclist was found dead under the lorry.
The car driver was arrested and later jailed for dangerous driving.
What can we learn?
Every day, every driver, every vehicle make the road in Singapore safer or more dangerous. Drivers should be aware of the following:
- Observing the rules of Singapore’s roads. Refraining from impulsive, aggressive driving e.g erratic lane changes, trying to beat traffic lights, driving at excessive speed. This kind of behavior is highly dangerous and can prove fatal.
- Driving cautiously and safely in car parks. Car parks contain sharp, tight bends, vehicles maneuvering in difficult spaces and pedestrians, including children. More than enough reason to keep your speed down.
- Making sure you leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. For approximately every 30kmh of speed, following distance should be two car lengths. If the car in front has to brake suddenly, then you’re less likely to end up being sandwiched between two cars.
- Avoiding braking sharply. Ease off your accelerator and slow down gradually.
- Driving more slowly during and after rain when the roads may be slick. Wet roads affect your car’s maneuvering and stopping time. In wet conditions there is also a danger of aquaplaning.
Safe driving, regular car checks and maintenance are sure-fire ways to ensure that you and your car have a great future together.
