Motorcyclists Collided in Discretionary Right Turn at Bukit Panjang

Should I stay or should I go?

This may be the title to a song by The Clash, but it’s also the phrase motorists ask themselves at a discretionary right turn.

The light is green for vehicles on the other side heading the opposite way, but you’re also allowed to turn right if there aren’t any vehicles in sight.

Should I stay or should I go?

The problem is that the safety of this turn relies entirely on your judgement, which may not be easy if the oncoming vehicle is travelling at a high speed.

This is why we’ve seen numerous accidents as a result of discretionary right turns, none more horrifying than a recent collision between two bikes.

Motorcyclists Collided in Discretionary Right Turn at Bukit Panjang

A video of a severe accident involving two motorists has been circulating on social media.

The video was shared by Roads.sg on YouTube.

According to Mothership, the accident occurred at the junction of Bukit Panjang Rd and Bangkit Rd on Wednesday (25 Nov).

At the beginning of the video, a motorcyclist in light-coloured clothing is seen waiting in the middle of a junction, intending to make a discretionary right turn.

The video was captured on the dashboard camera of a vehicle adjacent to the biker.

At the two-second mark, after two white cars pass by, the motorcyclist deems it safe, and makes a turn.

However, as he crosses to the other junction, another motorcyclist crashes into him at a high speed, with the impact sending both of them flying through the air.

One of the bikes involved slams into a bollard on the pavement, and broken bike parts scatter all over the area.

One of the riders immediately sits up, while the other lays on the floor.

Speaking to Mothership, the police said the accident occurred at around 7:39pm.

Two male motorcyclists, 42 and 65, were conscious when conveyed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Discretionary Right Turns to Blame?

While some netizens blamed the incident on the controversial discretionary right turn, others believed it was the motorists who were culpable.

Just like the mullet, it seems that the discretionary right turn will slowly go out of fashion.

Earlier this year, the Land Transport Authority announced that Red-Amber-Green (RAG) arrows will be installed at 1,200 junctions by 2023.

This will prevent such accidents from happening, and ensure the safety of both motorists and pedestrians.

Featured Image: YouTube (ROADS sg)