Three Men To Be Charged For Driving Under Influence Of Etomidate In Separate Singapore Traffic Cases
Three men in Singapore are set to face court charges after allegedly driving while under the influence of the anaesthetic drug etomidate, according to authorities. The cases, involving motorists aged between 29 and 36, highlight growing concerns about drug-impaired driving and the dangers posed to other road users.
Investigations revealed that each incident involved drivers who had inhaled etomidate through e-vaporisers before operating their vehicles. The substance, which can impair judgement and coordination, is considered highly dangerous when combined with driving.
The authorities stressed that driving under the influence of drugs is a serious offence in Singapore, and offenders may face substantial fines, imprisonment, and disqualification from driving.
Head-On Collision After Illegal Turn In Pasir Ris
One of the cases involved a 36-year-old driver linked to a traffic accident at the junction of Pasir Ris Drive 6 and Pasir Ris Drive 1. The incident occurred at around 9pm when police were alerted to a head-on collision involving two cars.
Investigations found that the driver had made an illegal right turn and proceeded to drive against the flow of traffic along Pasir Ris Drive 6. While travelling in the wrong direction, his vehicle reportedly approached a stationary motorcycle, forcing the rider to quickly move aside to avoid a collision.
The driver then continued driving against traffic and crashed into another car that was waiting at a traffic light. Officers later discovered an e-vaporiser and pod inside the vehicle, and investigations indicated that the driver had inhaled etomidate before the accident.
He is expected to face charges for driving under the influence of a substance and for dangerous driving under Singapore’s Road Traffic Act.
Erratic Driving Before Crash In Choa Chu Kang
In a separate incident, a 30-year-old motorist was involved in a collision with a motorcycle at the junction of Choa Chu Kang Avenue 3 and Brickland Road.
Police officers who arrived at the scene observed that the driver appeared unsteady and incoherent. Witnesses reported that the vehicle had been swerving within its lane shortly before the crash.
During the incident, the driver was also seen throwing objects out of the car window. Officers later recovered these items, which were identified as e-vaporisers and pods.
Subsequent investigations determined that the driver had inhaled etomidate prior to driving. Besides the charge of driving under the influence of a substance, he may also face charges for driving without due care and attention and for attempting to obstruct the course of justice.
Fatal Pavement Crash Involving Elderly Pedestrians
The most serious case involved a 29-year-old driver linked to a fatal accident along Teck Whye Lane. The collision resulted in the death of an elderly pedestrian and severe injuries to another.
According to investigations, two women aged 83 and 84 were standing on a pavement preparing to cross the road when the car mounted the curb and struck both pedestrians.
The 84-year-old victim suffered serious injuries, including fractures to her hip and wrist. The second woman, aged 83, was found unconscious and later died in hospital.
Police arrested the driver at the scene and investigations revealed he had inhaled etomidate using an e-vaporiser before driving.
Earlier investigations had also linked the same driver to another accident in Bedok involving a car that crashed into a traffic light pole. Officers discovered two e-vaporisers and 38 pods in his possession at the time, and he admitted to delivering pods containing etomidate.
Authorities are also examining additional traffic offences involving the same driver, including failing to obey traffic signals and multiple instances of careless driving.
Severe Penalties For Drug-Impaired Driving
Under Singapore law, driving while under the influence of drugs can carry a fine ranging from S$2,000 to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including higher fines and longer jail terms.
In more serious cases such as dangerous driving causing death or grievous hurt, offenders may face several years in prison along with additional penalties and disqualification from driving.
The police emphasised that motorists must not operate vehicles if they have consumed substances that impair their ability to drive safely. Drivers who feel affected by drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicating substances are advised to use alternative transport to prevent tragic consequences on Singapore’s roads.