Student hit by car at zebra crossing outside Bukit View Secondary School

SINGAPORE: A student’s attempt to cross at a zebra crossing outside Bukit View Secondary School turned perilous as a passing car failed to notice her presence, leading to a collision that sent her tumbling to the ground.

The distressing incident unfolded on Tuesday (16 April) outside Bukit View Secondary School, captured by SG Road Vigilante – SGRV in footage shared online.

The video depicted a student, attired in what appeared to be a school uniform, navigating a zebra crossing under the guidance of a traffic warden.

Tragically, an approaching vehicle failed to notice the student, resulting in a collision that knocked her over.

The incident, occurring at approximately 7:05 am, unfolded near the school premises.

Dashcam footage from a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction revealed the student’s brisk attempt to cross the zebra crossing.

Despite the traffic warden’s efforts to signal oncoming vehicles, the driver of a white Honda Vezel appeared oblivious to the student’s presence, leading to the collision that sent her airborne before she landed on the ground.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed that they were alerted to the accident around 7:10 am.

Paramedics swiftly conveyed the injured student to the National University Hospital (NUH) for medical attention.

Netizens condemn driver’s negligence at school zebra crossing

In response to the video, social media users voiced condemnation towards the driver’s apparent negligence.

Many Facebook commenters criticized the driver for failing to exercise caution and observe the zebra crossing.

One user emphasized the importance of slowing down at zebra crossings and traffic junctions, even when no pedestrians are visible or when traffic lights are favorable.

They questioned why some drivers fail to exercise caution in such situations.

Another commenter highlighted the standard operating procedure (SOP) of slowing down at pedestrian crossings and criticized the driver for not adhering to it.

A different perspective emerged, with a user pointing out that regardless of the presence of a traffic warden, drivers should approach zebra crossings with caution, especially in a school zone.

They questioned how the driver could have failed to notice the student crossing, given that their view was unobstructed.

However, some users shifted blame to the traffic warden.

One comment suggested that the traffic warden could have been more vigilant in observing the traffic situation and ensuring pedestrians only crossed when it was safe to do so.

They noted the warden’s lack of urgency in responding to the accident.

A netizen acknowledged the driver’s fault but also attributed blame to both the pedestrian and the traffic warden.

They argued that while the driver was at fault, pedestrians should also be vigilant, and traffic wardens should ensure that pedestrians only cross when it is safe to do so.

Road safety guidelines for school zones and crossings

In accordance with guidelines from the Land Transport Authority (LTA), vehicles are required to reduce their speed within School Zones to ensure the safety of school-going children.

The speed limit within these zones is capped at 40km/h, with the “40km/h When Lights Flash” sign indicating when this reduced speed limit is in effect.

Furthermore, the Road Traffic Rules specify the responsibilities of cyclists, mobility vehicle users, and Personal Mobility Device (PMD) riders when approaching pedestrian or zebra crossings.

According to these rules, they must approach such crossings at a speed that allows them to come to a complete stop before reaching the crossing.

Additionally, when already at the crossing, they are required to halt and carefully assess oncoming traffic before proceeding.