25YO Driver from NUS Gets 5 Days Of Jail For Knocking Down 78YO Pedestrian; Claims He Was ‘Sleepy’

As someone who usually stays up late the night before school, I can say for sure that the morning commute to school is a time for me to catch up on my sleep.

Only those who travel to Jurong via the Red Line in the morning would know that 9am trains are the best – simply because they are empty.

But even if there are no seats available I make do with what I have.

Me on the MRT in the morning:

The auntie in the corner:

But what if you had to drive yourself to school after burning the midnight oil?

Not the best idea.

But you got to do what you got to do. Especially for this aspiring medical student.

Sleepy Student Knocked Down Pedestrian 

Tan Wei Ren, a 25-year-old aspiring medical student who is applying to medical schools for his postgraduate studies stayed up late into the night to complete a research course.

On 8 July 2018 at about 9am, he was driving along Lavender Street towards Republic Avenue when he collided into 78-year-old Chua Boon Huat who was crossing the road.

Failed To Keep A Proper Lookout 

Tan had a clear view straight ahead and Mr Chua was in plain sight. Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) added that the driver should have had ample time to see the pedestrian.

Furthermore, Tan exceeded the 60km/k speed limit as he was driving at a speed of 63km/h when he hit Mr Chua.

Not only did he fail to keep a proper lookout for people crossing the road, but he also exceeded the speed limit.

Mr Chua suffered head and collarbone injuries as a result of the crash and was warded for 19 days.

“Discount” On Sentence Because “Unlikely To Reoffend” 

Due to the severity of the accident, DPP Low asked the court to impose a one-week jail sentence.

She argued that his “sleepy driving” was an increased danger to road users and if he had been alert he would have noticed Mr Chua crossing the road.

Tan’s lawyer, Mr Tan Khin Wee agreed on the jail sentence. However, he fought for him to get a “discount” since his client was “unlikely to re-offend“.

He further added that Tan is “full of potential” and “will do a lot of good to society as a doctor in the future”.

“(My client) is a hardworking academic.”

Oh. 

Sounds like someone I know…

Hint: He’s from NUS.

Tan Took Responsibility For Actions 

Okay, I have to give it to him for not making this a hit-and-run accident.

Tan emerged from his vehicle “in a split second” to get help for the victim.

He has since written an apology letter to Mr Chua, providing him with “closure” to what had happened. His medical expenses were also covered by Tan’s insurance firm.

These proved Tan’s “genuine remorse”, his lawyer said.

Pleaded Guilty 

Tan pleaded guilty to one charge of a negligent act endangering human life and causing grievous hurt to Mr Chua.

In the end, he was sentenced to five days’ jail instead of the proposed one week. Tan is also banned from driving for 18 months on 30 September 2019.

For endangering human life and causing grievous hurt, he could have been sentenced to up to two years in jail, or fined up to $5,000 or both.

I guess it’s a learning point for all of us here… do not drive when you’re clearly not in the condition to do so!