Tampines crash sparks calls for harsher penalties against reckless driving

On Monday (22 April) morning, a fatal multi-vehicle crash unfolded at the intersection of Tampines Avenue 1 and Tampines Avenue 4, claiming two lives.

Among the deceased is a 17-year-old student at Temasek Junior College, while the other victim is identified as a 57-year-old female passenger in a van. Both succumbed to their injuries after admission to the hospital.

The Singaporean community mourns the loss of two lives: Temasek JC student Afifah Munirah Binte Muhammad Azril and 57-year-old victim Norzihan Bte Hj Juwahib, an employee of a pest control company.

Ms Norzihan had recently realized her dream of owning a home by purchasing a two-room flat in Sengkang just three months ago before the accident.

Observing comments on Singapore’s state media, many netizens express sadness upon hearing the news, offering condolences to the deceased’s family.

Additionally, some call for authorities to investigate the culprit behind the fatal accident and advocate for heavier punishment for reckless drivers.

As reported by 8World News earlier, police have confirmed that a 42-year-old male driver is currently cooperating with the ongoing investigation into the accident.

Road fatalities in Singapore surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2023

Singapore witnessed a distressing increase in road fatalities in 2023, with 136 lives lost, marking a significant 25.9% rise from the 108 deaths recorded in 2022 and the highest since 2017.

The Traffic Police’s (TP) annual statistical report, released on 20 February, reveals a concerning uptick in fatal accidents involving speeding, drunk driving, and running red lights.

Motorcyclists and their pillion riders constitute half of the total road fatalities, whereas nearly 20% of the deceased were elderly pedestrians, underscoring their vulnerability on the roads.

To combat this, the TP will increase fines and demerit points for specific traffic offences, details of which will be disclosed later in the year.

The statistics are stark: speeding-related fatal accidents surged by 83.3%, from 18 cases in 2022 to 33 in 2023, leading to 37 deaths—an 85% increase from the previous year’s 20 fatalities.

In response, the TP has announced plans to enhance enforcement measures, including integrating speed enforcement with red light cameras starting the next quarter.

The TP will also increase fines and demerit points for specific traffic offences, details of which will be disclosed later in the year.

According to the Singapore Police, motorists who engage in irresponsible driving behaviours that jeopardize the safety of others on the road will face prosecution and more severe penalties.

Under section 64 of the Road Traffic Act, those found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving can expect a minimum of two years and a maximum of eight years imprisonment, along with a mandatory minimum disqualification from driving for 10 years.

For causing death by driving without due care or consideration, offenders may face up to 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $10,000 for a first-time offence, coupled with a minimum disqualification from driving for 8 years.

Furthermore, under section 304A(a) of the Penal Code, motorists held responsible for causing death through reckless acts can be sentenced to a maximum of 5 years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Precedent punishments for accused involved in fatal accidents

In July 2021, a motorist travelling at speeds of up to 215 km/h along the Central Expressway (CTE) caused an accident resulting in the death of a motorcyclist and involving four other vehicles.

In May 2023, the 35-year-old Ng Wen Xun pleaded guilty to two charges under the Road Traffic Act and was sentenced to 30 months in jail and disqualified from holding or obtaining all classes of driving licences for 10 years from her release date.

In December 2019, a 66-year-old permanent resident, working as a private-hire car driver at the time, was involved in the Lucky Plaza crash that claimed the lives of two women.

During the incident, the Malaysian offender, Chong Kim Hoe, made an unauthorized U-turn at the junction of Jalan Kayu Manis.

His attempt to correct the manoeuvre resulted in mounting the pedestrian pathway along Nutmeg Road, leading to a collision with six women.

In September 2021, the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) urged the court to impose a sentence of two to three years' imprisonment and a 10-year disqualification from driving all classes of vehicles for Chong.

In his defence, Chong's lawyer pleaded for leniency, highlighting that the accused did not flee the scene, took responsibility, and rendered assistance to the victims to the best of his ability.

Ultimately, Chong was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment and disqualified from driving all classes of vehicles for 10 years.

2016 Fatal AYE crash: Mercedes-Benz driver sentenced to one year's jail

In December 2016, Lim Chai Heng, a businessman driving a Mercedes-Benz, recklessly travelled against the flow of traffic on the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE), resulting in one fatality and four injuries.

On the morning of 19 Dec 2016, Lim was driving his son from their home in Hougang to his son's new workplace on Depot Road.

Despite his son's advice to take the Braddell Road exit to avoid Electronic Road Pricing charges, Lim continued driving on the AYE towards Tuas, ignoring his son's pleas to exit.

Approximately 23 kilometres later, Lim reached the Tuas Checkpoint and attempted a dangerous three-point turn, driving against oncoming traffic. Accelerating to speeds of up to 147 km/h, Lim collided with other vehicles, resulting in the death of actor Jackie Liong Kuo Hwa.

A psychiatric assessment revealed that Lim was suffering from acute psychosis at the time, leading to impaired judgment and irrational behaviour.

Despite appearing in control of his vehicle, the court deemed Lim's actions irrational.

Initially charged with causing death by dangerous driving, the charge was later upgraded to culpable homicide.

However, Judicial Commissioner Vincent Hoong acknowledged Lim's reduced culpability due to his mental condition, stating that deterrence held limited weight in such cases.

In November 2019, Lim was sentenced to one year in jail and banned from driving for 12 years.