In the early hours of November 11, 2022, Clement Chia Tian Xiang, 44, found himself in a precarious situation that led to his guilty plea on April 4 to one charge of driving without due care or reasonable consideration, according to the Straits Times.
Rammed into the rear of a Police car
The incident, which involved Chia’s vehicle colliding with a police car, resulted in a three-week jail sentence, a three-year disqualification from holding all classes of driving licenses, and a compensation order of $1,962.40 to the affected shophouse.
The incident occurred along Jalan Besar Road, where Chia was driving towards Bencoolen Street. According to the in-car camera footage presented in court, Chia’s vehicle was in the first of four lanes.
‘Bo chup’ attitude ended with him ramming a Police car into a shophouse nearby
In a sudden and aggressive maneuver, he crossed two lanes without paying proper attention to the traffic around him. This careless action led to his vehicle colliding with a police car that had slowed down in front of him.
The impact of the collision was so severe that it dislodged the in-car camera, and the police car was pushed into a nearby shophouse. The aftermath of the accident was captured in photographs presented in court, revealing the extensive damage to both vehicles. The police car’s front and rear bumpers were dislodged or smashed, and a 25-year-old police officer sustained a back sprain, requiring treatment at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
Had many similar charges in the past
Chia’s driving history revealed multiple similar charges, including careless driving, failing to stop after an accident, failing to give assistance after an accident, and being incapable of controlling his vehicle. Despite his previous offenses, Chia apologized during the court proceedings and promised to be more cautious in the future.
District Judge Salina Ishak reprimanded Chia for driving to court alone, despite knowing he would be pleading guilty and potentially facing immediate imprisonment.
Chia had requested a four-week deferment, but the judge reminded him that such a request could not be assumed to be granted. Chia’s jail term will commence on May 3.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the consequences of careless behavior on the road. It underscores the need for drivers to remain vigilant, adhere to traffic rules, and consider the safety of others at all times.