Van Driver Causes The Death of 60YO Woman, Gets Jailed For A Week

The Chinese have this saying “马路入虎口”, which directly translates to “the road is as dangerous as a tiger’s mouth”.

Okay, fine, that was a terrible translation, but you get the gist.

My point is, that is exactly why it is so important to be extra vigilant when you’re crossing the road – and this is proven time and time again.

60-year-old Lady Killed in Accident

On 12 July 2018, Ms Melor Yusof, 60, was hit by a van while she was using the pedestrian crossing.

The tragedy happened at 7am along Marsling Road.

According to TNP, Ms Melor was drowsy as she lay in the middle of the road.

She was taken to the hospital and was pronounced dead at approximately 8.10am.

No Witnesses; Driver Claims He Had Right Of Way

The van driver, Mohamad Saleh Ahmad, 57, was reported to be turning left at a signalised T-junction where he failed to notice Ms Melor.

Yes, there are also discretionary left turns in Singapore, though drivers just need to look out for pedestrians and not incoming vehicles.

Saleh had claimed that the traffic light was in his favour and the pedestrian light was red.

However, there were no cameras or witnesses to prove the claim.

Despite accepting Saleh’s explanation, the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Bjorn Tan said that Saleh should have stopped regardless as he should be able to see Ms Melor.

DPP Tan added that the dent on the van has shown the impact of collision and emphasize that “one does not run over someone simply because he has the right of way”.

She’s not wrong.

Stayed To Help And Called The Police

In Saleh’s defence, the defence counsel stated that Saleh was genuinely apologetic for the tragedy which was evident as he was the one who called the police and helped the victim even though there were no witnesses at the scene.

It was also argued that there is no evidence that Saleh was speeding, intoxicated, or using his mobile phone during the accident.

Saleh has since pleaded guilty to causing death by negligent act and was sentenced to one week jail and banned from driving, which covers all classes of vehicles.

Please stay safe and drive safe everyone out there!

And RIP Ms Melor.