On Sunday, March 3, at approximately 4:40 PM, a 65-year-old man was arrested for suspected drink driving after his vehicle ended up in the motorcycle lane while exiting the Woodlands Checkpoint. A video of the incident, captured around 6 PM, was subsequently shared online.
Some social media users commented that the driver might have been unfamiliar with the route, as it was his first time traveling out of the country. The police confirmed that they received a report about the accident, and the man was arrested for suspected drink driving. Investigations are currently ongoing.
In Singapore, the Road Traffic Act states that one can be charged with drink driving if they exceed the legal alcohol limit or are found unfit to drive due to intoxication that impairs their ability to control a vehicle. Penalties for first-time offenders include a fine of up to S$10,000 and imprisonment for up to one year.
In 2019, the Road Traffic Act was amended to increase the maximum penalties for motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Repeat offenders now face a fine between S$5,000 and S$20,000 and up to two years in jail, which is double the previous punishment of a fine between S$3,000 and S$10,000 and up to one year in jail.
The police investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available. In the meantime, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving and adherence to the legal alcohol limits to ensure the safety of all road users.