A photo showing four young children sticking their heads and upper bodies out of the sunroof of a GetGo car has sparked safety concerns online, with the car-sharing company confirming that it is investigating the incident.
The image, which was shared on social media on Aug. 2, appears to show a black Mazda bearing GetGo branding. One of the children also appeared to be perched on the roof of the vehicle, raising concerns among netizens about the potential dangers of such behaviour.
Following the circulation of the image, GetGo said it had contacted the user involved and reiterated that it does not tolerate unsafe conduct involving its vehicles.
GetGo Says Unsafe Driving Will Be Penalised
Responding to media queries, GetGo said the safety of its users and other road users remains a top priority.
The company said it is in touch with the customer involved and has highlighted the alleged offence. It added that all users are required to comply with Singapore’s traffic laws and ensure every passenger is properly restrained with a seatbelt while the vehicle is in motion.
According to GetGo, drivers who engage in unsafe behaviour may face penalties based on the seriousness of the offence. In severe cases, user accounts may be suspended immediately while investigations are carried out, while repeat offenders risk being permanently banned from using the platform.
Seatbelt Rules Apply to All Occupants
Under Singapore law, all occupants of a motor vehicle are required to wear seatbelts while travelling.
Drivers are also responsible for ensuring that children who are below 135cm in height are properly secured using an approved child restraint or a suitable body-restraining seatbelt.
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in penalties including a fine of up to S$1,000, imprisonment of up to three months, or both.
Similar Case Recently Led to Fine and Driving Ban
The incident comes shortly after another high-profile child safety case in Singapore.
In late July, a driver was convicted after allowing his two young sons to ride on the rear of his Porsche while the vehicle was moving. The court found him guilty of committing a rash act that endangered children below the age of 14.
He was fined S$5,000 and disqualified from driving for six months.
The circumstances surrounding the GetGo incident have not been publicly disclosed, and it remains unclear whether any enforcement action will be taken by the authorities. However, the case has renewed discussions online about child passenger safety and the responsibilities of drivers transporting young children.