Mercs Driver Hit Cyclist, Stopped for a While Then Just Drove Off

Anyone who drives in Singapore would know this: it’s hard to spot a cyclist dashing across a zebra crossing.

Which is why most drivers would slow down upon reaching a zebra crossing and look around before passing it. Come to think of it, drivers are more afraid of zebra crossing than pedestrians.

But this Mercedes driver forgot about the unspoken rules and hit a bicycle.

However, it’s not the hit that had made this video viral.

It’s the “run”.

Here’s what happened.

Cyclists on Zebra Crossing

Before anything, let’s debunk a misconception that many people have.

Is it compulsory for cyclist to dismount from his bicycle and push the bicycle across a zebra crossing?

Well, technically speaking, the “dismount and push” isn’t a compulsory rule, but a recommended step instead.

Image: ecitizen.gov.sg

However, cyclist should try to move in “walking speed” and shouldn’t overtake other pedestrians who are on the zebra crossing as well.

Image: lta.gov.sg

So now that we know about this misconception, let’s look at the video.

Hit & Run Video That Went Viral

On Saturday night, Facebook Page ROADS.SG posted this video.

Here’s the description of the video:

Driver of SBK75C not only did not stop fully before the zebra crossing stop line but hit the cyclist. This is a very serious offence, failing to give way at zebra crossing carries a $150 fine and 6 demerit points.

Happened at the junction of Woodlands Ave 2 on 10/11/18 at about 1.00pm

“I have made a police report regarding this incident. Thank you to the dash cam owner for providing this evidence video.” – Man Manzanafiy (father of cyclist)

If you’ve got no data to spare, here’s what happened: GrabFood cyclist cycled across zebra crossing and was hit by a Mercedes that was almost crawling.

The cyclist then moved to the side and the Mercedes stopped there for about 45 seconds.

Then, for some reason, the driver simply drove off.

Not to the front to settle any compensation with the cyclist. He or she just drove off. Disappeared.

Needless to say, everyone, including the driver in the camera, was shocked. They go “Eh eh eh!” and honked, but by then, the Mercedes were far, far away in the other part of the galaxy.

I mean, hit and run is a serious offence. But hit, wait and run? That’s a whole new game altogether.

Hit & Run is a Serious Offence

Lest you’re not aware, hit and run is a serious offence: first-time offenders could face a fine of up to $3,000 or 12-month imprisonment.

In order not to be considered a hit and run, the offender must take reasonable steps to provide his or her details to the owner of the damaged vehicle (or person).

Obviously the Mercedes driver didn’t do that.

No Need for Fault Pointing Here

Some people might think that it’s the cyclist’s fault for cycling on the zebra crossing, but here’s one argument that’ll end the argument once and for all: there’s a stop line before the zebra crossing.

Anyone who has a driving license knows that not stopping before a stop line is an immediate failure.

Yah, yeah, I know no qualified driver stops at stop lines. But when shit hits the fan, that’s when these innocuous white lines come into play.

So, case closed. Mercs driver’s fault. And someone has his or her food delayed on Saturday.