In a recent three-hour enforcement operation conducted by the Traffic Police (TP) last Friday evening (6 October), a total of 24 motorcyclists were caught for breaking traffic laws, according to The Straits Times.
This operation was aimed at curbing traffic violations on the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) and Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) during the evening peak-hour period.
The Enforcement Operation
The TP officers wasted no time in taking action during the operation. Within the first 30 minutes, they had already apprehended eight riders who were in violation of traffic regulations.
As the operation progressed, the number of offenders increased, eventually reaching a total of 24 individuals.
Types of Violations
The violations observed during the operation were diverse and included a wide range of infractions. Some of the common violations observed were:
1. Speeding
Speeding remains a significant concern, endangering not only the motorcyclists themselves but also other road users. The TP officers were vigilant in cracking down on those who exceeded the speed limits.
2. Wearing Unapproved Helmets
Safety equipment is of paramount importance, and wearing helmets with unapproved visors poses a considerable risk to riders. Several individuals were apprehended for this infraction.
3. Riding Without a Valid License and Insurance
Operating a motorcycle without a valid license and insurance is not only illegal but also highly risky. Two individuals faced serious consequences for this offense during the operation.
Among the 24 individuals apprehended during the operation, 10 of them were riding foreign-registered motorcycles.
Alarming Statistics
The need for such enforcement operations becomes evident when we examine recent police data, which highlights a worrying trend. In the first half of this year, 32 motorcyclists or their pillion riders lost their lives in traffic accidents, a significant increase from the same period in 2022 when the number stood at 25.
Furthermore, the number of accidents involving motorcyclists increased from 1,751 in the first half of 2022 to 1,834 in the same period this year.