Singapore saw a decrease in the number of road traffic accidents in 2020 compared to 2019, according to the Singapore Police Force (SPF). As a result this decrease also led to a reduction in fatalities and injuries resulting from such accidents, partly due to the COVID pandemic and many staying at home. However, when it comes to road issues that persist, fatigue and driving under the influence appear to be two major problems that result in highway accidents. From the factors behind such causes to how they’re being addressed, here’s what you need to know.
The concerns of alcohol consumption
Driving under the influence of alcohol has been long known to be one of the driving factors regarding road accidents. In fact, over 1,000 people were caught by the Traffic Police for drunk driving in the first nine months of 2021, about the same number in the same time period in 2020. Additionally, one person is killed every month due to an accident related to drunk driving, according to the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Desmond Tan, highlighting just how serious the matter is.
Already in 2022, a collision between a truck and a car along a Geylang road junction resulted in six injuries, a situation in which a 40 year old truck driver was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. When it comes to addressing alcohol consumption among drivers, Singapore’s strict laws play a major role. If convicted of drunk driving, offenders will be punished with a hefty fine of up to S $10,000, up to one year in prison, or both. And, with additional consequences for repeat offenders, there’s no question that the matter is taken quite seriously despite it still happening today.
Fatigued drivers and heavy vehicles
When it comes to accidents on Singapore’s roads, including the highways, heavy vehicles, oftentimes trucks, tend to be a major issue due to the many aspects involved with driving a large truck. Long, tiring hours among lorry drivers are just one example of how the industry can produce less than favorable results regarding accident rates. However, this issue can also be often seen when it comes to migrant lorry drivers, who are known to be underpaid and overworked. “These workers don’t have much of a choice,” says Dr. Noorashikin Abdul Rahman, the president of Transient Workers Count Too (or TWC2), who noted that a long working day among migrant drivers is a common theme.
The consequences involved
With long working hours for migrant drivers and many other lorry drivers in Singapore, the risk of accidents involving heavy vehicles can result in deadly consequences due to causes like fatigue. However, the same problems exist in other parts of the world as well; in the United States, where issues like driver fatigue are also a concern. Approximately 5,005 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash in 2019, with Texas ranking among the states with the most deaths resulting from large truck crashes for that year. For accidents resulting in injury, a lengthy legal process may also play a role for those affected in order to hold those responsible liable for their actions. For those involved in such an incident, Houston lawyers note that an experienced truck accident lawyer can aid greatly in deciding which legal route to take regarding 18-wheeler accidents.
Despite road accidents, fatalities, and injuries decreasing in 2020, it’s important to realize that there are still a number of issues plaguing Singapore’s roads. When it comes to highway accidents, driving under the influence and the risks involved with driver fatigue (an issue commonly seen with heavy vehicle drivers) continue to present areas of concern.
