Although the overall traffic situation has improved over the year, Traffic Police would like to highlight two focal areas:
- Motorcyclists and pillion riders remain the most vulnerable group of road users; and
- Elderly pedestrians account for almost half of pedestrian deaths.
Motorcyclists & Pillion Riders Remain the Most Vulnerable Group of Road Users
Making up 92 (or 50.3%) of the 183 fatalities in 2009, motorcyclists and their pillion riders remain the most vulnerable group of road users. The top three causes of motorcycle accidents are namely due to:
- Failure to have proper control,
- Failure to keep a proper look out
- Failure to give way to traffic with right of way
Recognising that motorcyclists are the most vulnerable group of road users, Traffic Police had conducted several educational programmes in 2009 targeted at motorcyclists to raise their awareness and promote safe riding.
"Ride Safe 2009" Campaign
The “Ride Safe 2009” campaign tailored for motorcyclists was conducted in October 2009. 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, riding ambassadors were also appointed to champion road safety within their organisations.
Revised Training Curriculum for Motorcyclists
Traffic Police also revised the existing training curriculum of schools and implemented three new theoretical lessons on riding in 2009 to enhance the knowledge of learner riders of their vehicles and to encourage defensive riding on the road. As part of these lessons, instructors also imparted practical defensive riding tips with the aid of scenario-based videos.
Promoting Safe Riding via New Media Tools
Leveraging on the power and reach of new media in reaching out to motorcyclists, Traffic Police collaborated with RazorTV to feature video clips that provided tips on Defensive Riding skills. In addition, episode 7 of Crime Watch in 2009 was used to feature a real-life account of a motorcycle accident victim. Commercials on safe riding targeted at motorcyclists were also screened over Mediacorp channels and the LED screen at Woodlands Checkpoint.
Elderly Pedestrians Make Up Almost Half of Pedestrian Deaths
In 2009, elderly pedestrians (those above 60 years old) accounted for 44.4% (or 20) of the 45 pedestrian fatalities. Of the 20 fatalities involving elderly pedestrians, 16 of them were killed as a result of jaywalking.
Spreading the Road Safety Message to the Elderly through Song and Entertainment
In 2009, Traffic Police launched a Road Safety Programme specially tailored for elderly pedestrians during the Elias Community Centre’s Lunar New Year celebration. E ducational materials such as bright handy bags and tissue packs carrying the message “Take it slow and easy. Be seen, be safe” were distributed to participants during the event. Lamp-post banners and posters carrying the same message were also displayed prominently islandwide, particularly in estates with a high percentage of elderly persons.
Understanding the elderly’s love for song and entertainment, a new road safety video titled 'Be Seen, Be Safe' which carried songs in different languages and dialects infused with safety tips, was also launched and distributed to the various homes and shelters for senior citizens, Community Centres and Residents’ Committee Centres.
While motorists should always look out for pedestrians, in particular elderly pedestrians, senior citizens must also play their part by refraining from jaywalking and crossing the roads safely. |
