Harsher Punishments For Reckless Drivers in S’pore To Take Effect On 1 Nov 2019

Sick and tired of Singapore drivers anyhowly drive on the roads of Singapore?

Wished that the government will do something about these bloody idiots?

Ever hope for a day where your 3-year-old kid can run around freely without you worrying for his health?

While we can’t help you much for the third wish (except suggest that you be a better parent), there’s light at the end of the tunnel for wish one and two.

Because Harsher Penalties Coming Soon

Like my handsome colleague, Victor Fong-to-the-Fong, wrote:

I almost fell asleep while reading the thing, so here’s a 5-second version: Drive carefully, don’t be an asshole. Punishments for irresponsible driving is at least doubled.

In essence, it’s asking drivers to be more responsible when driving.

The proposed changes to the Road Traffic Act was debated upon back in July 2019.

These changes will take effect on 1 Nov 2019.

Two Categories of Irresponsible Driving

Under the new changes, irresponsible driving offences can be sorted into two categories:

• Reckless or dangerous driving
• Driving without due care or reasonable consideration (careless driving)

If you can’t tell from the name, dangerous driving is more serious than careless driving.

The nature of the case will be decided upon on a case-by-case basis based on the following three factors:

• Does the manner of driving predictably puts other road users at risk and cause other road users to be unable to react in time
• Whether the motorist had driven even though he should have known he was not in a condition to drive safely
• Did the road situation required the motorist to take extra care but he did not.

Four Different Levels of Harm

What comes out from irresponsible driving? Harm to pedestrians or other drivers on the roads, right?

There will be four different levels of harm:

• Death
• Grievous hurt
• Hurt
• Endangers life

There will be higher maximum imprisonment terms and fines as compared to the currently existing penalties.

If Drunk

That’s no excuse for your actions.

Anyone who committed a dangerous or careless driving offence under the influence of drugs or alcohol will face further penalties, which will run consecutively.

In other words, if you run a red light when you’re drunk, you’ll be charged for reckless driving and drink-driving.

A double-whammy, as some might say.

First-Timer Vs Many-Timer

Last, but not least, people who repeatedly commit the same offence will be given a heavier sentence as compared to first-timers.

A person who commits a DUI the first time can be given up to a maximum of 10 years of jail time with a 12-year driving disqualification.

And if he does it again? He’ll be sentenced up to 19 years in jail with a lifetime ban on driving.

A Focus On Getting Irresponsible Drivers Off The Road

What’s the best way to make Singapore roads safe? By removing the dangerous elements.

And the government plan to focus on additional levers that’ll get irresponsible drivers off the roads:

• Immediate suspensions
• Disqualification
• Confiscation of vehicles

More of that will take effect in the second half of 2020.

Well, the Singapore government might not have the best record for making the pavements safe for Singaporeans *coughPMDscough* but they do have a good track record when it comes to the roads.

So if you’re a driver, make sure you drive safely, okay?