In 2009, the total human population in Singapore increased by 3.1%, from 4,839,400 in 2008 to 4,987,600 in 2009. In the same period, the vehicle population in Singapore also increased by 4.1%; from 874,969 in 2008 to 910,546. In spite of this, the fatality rate per 100,000 human population has improved significantly by 19.7% from 4.57 in 2008 to 3.67 in 2009 ( Chart 1 refers). This is comparable to other major cities such as New York and Melbourne.

In a similar vein, the number of fatal accidents per 10,000 vehicles also dropped to 1.90, from 2.42 in 2008. (Chart 2 refers).

Compared to 2008, the number of people who died on Singapore roads in 2009 decreased by 17.2%, from 221 fatalities in 2008 to 183 fatalities in 2009. What is particularly significant is the fact that vulnerable groups of road users such as motorcyclists and pedestrians also saw a reduction in the number of fatalities. Although there were more motorcycles on Singapore roads in 2009, the number of motorcyclists and pillion riders who died in road traffic accidents decreased by nearly 15%, from 108 in 2008 to 92 in 2009. Pedestrian fatalities also decreased by nearly 28%, from 62 in 2008 to 45 in 2009. Table 1 shows the detailed breakdown of road user fatalities.

TABLE 1: NUMBER OF FATALITIES BYROAD USER GROUPS