William Teng charged with drink-driving and endangering others following the incident at Seletar Country Club.
William Teng Guan How, 62, the owner of the real estate agency WRJ & Associates, has been charged with drink-driving and endangering others after an incident that occurred at Seletar Country Club on August 27, 2024. According to court documents, Teng was allegedly intoxicated when he drove his vehicle directly into the club’s swimming pool at around 9:40 p.m.
Following the incident, he was subjected to a breathalyzer test, which showed a concentration of 63 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of exhaled air. This level is nearly double the legal limit of 35 micrograms. Under local law, drinking alcohol excessively while driving is considered a serious offense, particularly when it endangers the safety of others.
In addition to the drink-driving charge, Teng was also formally accused of “reckless driving,” meaning he was charged with failing to adopt responsible and safe behavior while operating the vehicle. This type of offense is associated with driving at high speeds or engaging in dangerous behaviors, such as driving into the pool area. The incident attracted significant attention, as it occurred in a recreational area where other people were nearby.
The court has scheduled a follow-up hearing for Teng’s case on December 19, 2024. According to Singapore’s laws, a first-time offender for drink-driving can be sentenced to up to one year in prison and/or a fine of up to 10,000 Singapore dollars (approximately 7,500 Brazilian reais). However, if the defendant is a repeat offender, the penalties can be more severe, potentially up to two years in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 Singapore dollars (around 15,000 Brazilian reais).
This incident has sparked discussions about road safety and the responsibility of drivers who consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel. Authorities in Singapore have become increasingly stringent with laws related to alcohol consumption and driving in an effort to prevent fatal accidents. Cases like William Teng’s highlight the importance of the public being aware of legal limits and the risks associated with driving under the influence.
In a broader context, this case reflects the ongoing efforts of local authorities to reduce accidents and ensure that drivers comply with safety regulations, preserving the lives and well-being of all road users. Traffic laws in Singapore are extremely strict, and violations of this nature can result in severe consequences for offenders. Teng’s case serves as a reminder that drink-driving is a serious offense, with consequences that go beyond fines and imprisonment, potentially involving irreversible harm to innocent lives.
