A minibus driver, Muhammad Hairulzat Salleh, 41, with a history of careless driving, has been sentenced to four months in jail on December 28, 2021. Hairulzat pleaded guilty to the charge of driving without due care and attention, resulting in the tragic death of motorcyclist Satyadew Ramanuj, 57, on the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) in March 2021, according to The Straits Times.
Driving Record and Sentencing
Hairulzat’s past offenses include careless driving causing hurt, disregarding red lights, and using a mobile phone while driving. Along with the four-month jail term, he has been disqualified from holding or obtaining any class of driving license for eight years upon his release. The sentencing reflects the severity of the negligence that led to the fatal accident.
Details of the Incident
The fatal accident occurred on March 13, 2021, while Hairulzat was employed by Aurora World, a company providing chartered bus services. Satyadew Ramanuj was riding his motorcycle along the PIE towards Tuas when he slowed down and came to a complete stop on the third lane. Approaching vehicles switched lanes to avoid collision as the motorcycle’s lights appeared to be dimming and brightening.
At that moment, Hairulzat, traveling at a speed of 66 to 90 km/h behind a van, attempted to switch from the second lane to the third. Failing to maintain a safe distance and failing to keep a proper lookout, Hairulzat only noticed Satyadew’s stationary motorcycle when he entered the third lane. The collision occurred, resulting in Satyadew’s death.
Investigation and Autopsy Findings
Hairulzat, unaffected by the accident, saw Satyadew pinned to the front of the minibus. Despite efforts by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to extract Satyadew, he was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy confirmed that the cause of death was multiple injuries consistent with those sustained in a motor vehicle collision.
Mechanical Examination
While an inspector could not conclusively determine any mechanical failure contributing to the accident, static brake tests and a visual inspection of the minibus’s braking system suggested that it was in good condition.