Motorcyclists & Pillion Riders Remain the Most Vulnerable Group of Road Users

Making up 108 (or 48.6%) of the 222 fatalities in 2008, motorcyclists and their pillion riders remain the most vulnerable group of road users (Table 1 refers). Failing to have proper control, failing to keep a proper look out and following too close to the vehicle in front are the top three causes of motorcycle accidents.

TABLE 1: NUMBER OF FATALITIES BY ROAD USER GROUPS

* Figures in parenthesis denote fatalities as a percentage of total fatalities across all road user groups.

Recognising that motorcyclists are the most vulnerable group of road users, apart from high-visibility deterrence patrols and enforcement at certain accident-prone roads and junctions at various times, Traffic Police (TP) also conducted educational programmes targeted at motorcyclists.

“Ride Safe 2008” Campaign

The “Ride Safe 2008” campaign tailored for motorcyclists was conducted in October 2008. This campaign helped promote safe riding among motorcyclists by getting them to understand and overcome their vulnerabilities; and reminding them to refrain from speeding and drink-riding. To help organisations and companies build a culture of safe riding, 11 riding ambassadors were also appointed to promote road safety within their organisations.

Revised Training Curriculum for Motorcyclists

Recognising that motorcyclists may not have sufficient knowledge on the use of their vehicles, TP will be revising the existing training curriculum of schools in 2009 to enhance the knowledge of learner riders on the parameters of their vehicles and to encourage defensive riding on the road. The revised curriculum will include 3 theoretical lessons on defensive riding. During these lessons, instructors will also impart practical defensive riding tips with the aid of scenario-based videos.

New Video for Newbie Drivers/ Riders

In addition, TP will also be producing a new road safety video that includes the common causes of accidents, video clips of actual accidents, as well as victims’ and offenders’ sharing of their real-life experiences. The intention of the video is to instill in drivers/riders the consequences of not behaving responsibly on the roads. All new drivers and riders will have to view this video before they are allowed to collect their driving licences. The revised curriculum and the video will be implemented by mid-2009.

Elderly Pedestrians Make Up Almost Half of Pedestrian Deaths

In 2008, elderly pedestrians (those above 60 years old) accounted for 45.2% (or 28) of the 62 pedestrian fatalities. Of the 28 fatalities involving elderly pedestrians, 22 of them were killed as a result of jaywalking.

Spreading the Road Safety Message to the Elderly through Song and Entertainment

For 2009, TP will be launching a Road Safety Programme specially tailored for elderly pedestrians. This will be launched on 31 Jan 09 at the Elias Community Centre’s Lunar New Year celebration. Educational materials like banners, posters, and tissue boxes carrying the message "Take it slow and easy. Be seen, be safe” will be displayed and distributed during the event. Understanding the elderly’s love for song and entertainment, a new road safety video, 'Be Seen, Be Safe' with songs infused with safety tips will also be launched and distributed to the various homes and shelters for senior citizens, Community Centres and Residents’ Committee Centres. This video will subsequently be woven into commercials and aired on MediaCorp channels and TV Mobile.

While TP has been appealing for motorists to look out for pedestrians, in particular elderly pedestrians, senior citizens are encouraged to play their part by refraining from jaywalking and crossing the roads safely.

Drink Driving-Related Accidents Down

As a result of relentless efforts against drink driving, the number of drink driving-related accidents fell from 188 in 2007 to 174 in 2008 (Table 2 refers). However, drink driving remains very much a concern as the number of persons killed in drink driving-related accidents actually increased from 15 to 22 in the same period (Table 3 refers).

TABLE 2: NUMBER OF DRINK-DRIVING ACCIDENTS

TABLE 3: NUMBER OF PERSONS KILLED OR
INJURED IN DRINK-DRIVING RELATED ACCIDENTS

Fewer people were arrested for drink driving in 2008 as compared to 2007 even though enforcement efforts remained constant, suggesting that the ring-fencing strategy adopted by TP in 2008 has been successful in deterring drink driving. A total of 3,586 motorists were arrested for drink driving in 2008, a decrease of 424 arrests from the 4,010 arrests made in 2007.

Collaborations with Strategic Partners in the Fight against Drink Driving

Apart from maintaining regular enforcement efforts against drink driving, TP also collaborated with entertainment outlet operators in 2008 to launch several new Anti Drink Drive (ADD) initiatives. For example, the distribution of complimentary taxi vouchers and the provision of a complimentary chauffeur service to escort drunken patrons home. TP also collaborated with Johnny Walker to launch the "Never Drink and Drive" Campaign with Mika Hakkinen where Singaporeans were urged to "join the pact" (of not to drink drive) by putting their names on an international website.

Going forward, TP will be working with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) to conduct medical research on the effects of alcohol intoxication on Asians, focusing on the actual intoxication level that will impair motorists’ judgement and driving ability. A health guide will then be produced to serve as education and reference material for the general public.