Striking a Balance Between Harsher Penalties and Behavioral Change
Singapore’s roads, while efficient, have seen a troubling rise in dangerous driving incidents. Recent fatal accidents, such as the multi-vehicle crash in Tampines last month that claimed two lives, highlight the urgent need for change—not just in legislation but in driving culture itself.
The Current Landscape
Singaporean drivers are often criticized for their reluctance to give way and their aggressive habits, possibly fueled by the status symbol associated with car ownership. Despite the soaring costs of Certificates of Entitlement (COE), nearly half of Singaporean youths aim to own a car by 35, according to a 2022 Land Transport Authority (LTA) study.
Public sentiment leans toward harsher penalties for dangerous driving, with only 6% of respondents in a RICE informal poll believing current laws are sufficient. While penalties were increased in 2019, accidents and fatalities persist, suggesting the need for broader solutions.
Why Penalties Aren’t Enough
Studies, such as those highlighted by academics Jean Liu and Bozy Lu, suggest that increased penalties alone only moderately reduce dangerous driving. The root issue lies in ingrained driving habits and cultural attitudes. In Singapore, drivers often prioritize speed over safety, ignoring road courtesy and contributing to a rise in road rage incidents.
Moreover, public frustration stems from perceived leniency in sentencing. High-profile cases like the 2016 Ayer Rajah Expressway wrong-way driver, who received a one-year jail term due to acute psychosis, underscore the gap between public expectations and judicial outcomes.
Behavioral and Structural Solutions
Beyond penalties, transforming road safety requires a multifaceted approach:
Traffic Calming Measures: Narrower lanes, speed bumps, and raised crosswalks can physically compel drivers to slow down, reducing accidents.
Cultural Education: Reinforcing courteous and defensive driving practices during training and public awareness campaigns can instill long-term behavioral shifts.
Technological Integration: Dashcams and traffic surveillance can deter errant behavior and provide accountability.
Balancing Justice and Reform
Calls for harsher penalties are understandable, especially in light of tragic outcomes. However, the complexity of accidents, often caused by a mix of negligence and systemic factors, warrants nuanced solutions. International comparisons reveal that Singapore’s penalties are relatively lenient, but they also highlight the importance of fairness and rehabilitation over retribution.
Looking Forward
Singapore’s Minister of State for Home Affairs, Faishal Ibrahim, aptly described road safety reform as an “ongoing journey.” Yet, this journey requires clear goals and collective commitment. By addressing both cultural and legislative aspects of dangerous driving, Singapore can aspire to safer roads for all.
Let’s ensure this isn’t just an ongoing conversation, but a definitive step toward saving lives.
