In an effort to reduce the rising number of traffic accidents and fatalities in Singapore, the traffic police have announced plans to activate the speed enforcement function in existing red-light cameras. This move is aimed at deterring motorists from speeding, particularly at locations with a higher incidence of accidents or violations.
Camera
The red-light cameras, which are orange and white, have previously been used to capture motorists who run red lights. They are typically located in areas without static speed cameras and are accompanied by warning signs indicating the speed limit for the road.
In 2023, a total of 136 people lost their lives in traffic accidents, a 25.9% increase from the previous year and the highest number since 2016. The report released by the traffic police also showed an increase in fatal accidents involving speeding, drink driving, and running red lights. Motorcyclists and their passengers accounted for half of all road fatalities, while elderly pedestrians made up almost 20%.
One positive trend in the report was the decrease in the number of cases of motorists running red lights, which fell from 44,688 in 2022 to 31,815 in 2023. However, the number of fatal accidents caused by running red lights increased from three in 2022 to eight in 2023.
The number of speeding-related fatal accidents also saw a significant increase, from 18 in 2022 to 33 in 2023. The total number of deaths from these accidents rose from 20 to 37. While the number of speeding violations detected by traffic enforcement cameras decreased from 73,152 in 2022 to 52,237 in 2023, the number detected by other police enforcement operations increased from 52,016 in 2022 to 63,468 in 2023.
The traffic police have expressed concern over this trend, stating that speed cameras are effective in deterring speeding, but motorists continue to speed in locations where they believe they will not be caught. The police have also noted an increase in irresponsible driving behaviors, such as failure to keep a proper lookout, failure to have proper control of the vehicle, and changing lanes without due care.
Further details will be announced in 2024
In response to these trends, the traffic police plan to increase composition sums and demerit points for certain traffic offenses. Further details will be announced in 2024. The penalty for running a red light is currently 12 demerit points and a composite fine of S$400 for light vehicles and S$500 for heavy ones. Those convicted of drink driving face fines ranging from S$2,000 to S$10,000 and up to a year in jail for first offenses, and fines of S$5,000 to S$20,000 and up to two years in jail for repeat offenses. Those convicted of drink driving may also face driving disqualification and vehicle forfeiture.
Increase in fatalities
The increase in traffic accidents and fatalities in Singapore is a cause for concern, and the traffic police are taking several measures to address the issue. In addition to activating the speed enforcement function in red-light cameras, the police will also be increasing the composition sums and demerit points for certain traffic offenses. These measures aim to deter motorists from engaging in irresponsible driving behaviors and to promote greater road safety.
The report released by the traffic police also showed an increase in drink-driving accidents, with 180 cases in 2023 compared to 175 in 2022. Fatal drink-driving accidents also rose from 10 in 2022 to 11 in 2023. The penalties for drink driving in Singapore are severe, with first offenders facing fines of up to S$10,000 and up to a year in jail. Repeat offenders can be fined up to S$20,000 and jailed for up to two years. Those convicted of drink driving may also face driving disqualification and vehicle forfeiture.
The high number of road fatalities involving motorcyclists and their passengers is particularly concerning. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the roads and are at a higher risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident. The traffic police have urged motorcyclists to exercise caution and to always wear protective gear, such as helmets and protective clothing.
Elderly pedestrians also made up a significant portion of road fatalities in 2023. The traffic police have reminded drivers to be extra vigilant when driving near pedestrian crossings and to always give way to pedestrians. Drivers are also reminded to adhere to the speed limit and to avoid distractions while driving.
The increase in traffic accidents and fatalities in Singapore is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. The traffic police are taking several measures to address the issue, including activating the speed enforcement function in red-light cameras and increasing the composition sums and demerit points for certain traffic offenses. However, it is also the responsibility of all road users to exercise caution and to promote greater road safety. By working together, we can help reduce the number of traffic accidents and fatalities in Singapore.