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53 per cent spike in accidents within school zones last year

SINGAPORE — Despite tougher measures against errant motorists within school zones, the number of accidents spiked last year, compared with previous years.

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SINGAPORE — Despite tougher measures against errant motorists within school zones, the number of accidents spiked last year, compared with previous years.

Statistics from the Traffic Police (TP) showed there were 29 accidents — including two fatalities —within these zones last year, up about 53 per cent compared with 2012 and 2013 when there were 19 accidents each year.

A total of 187 motorists were caught for moving traffic offences within the school zones, the TP said. The top offence was running a red light, with 137 motorists caught for that. The remaining motorists were nabbed for speeding, careless driving or inconsiderate driving.

In January 2013, two boys, aged 13 and seven, were cycling home when they were knocked down by a cement-mixer truck at a traffic junction near Dunman Secondary School in Tampines. The deaths sparked a public outcry to improve road safety.

In January last year, new rules were imposed to penalise motorists who commit traffic offences within school zones with an extra demerit point.

Under a pilot programme by the Land Transport Authority last year, road safety was enhanced at 10 schools. Among other initiatives, “LOOK” markings were painted on the ends of zebra crossings to remind pedestrians to watch out for traffic before crossing. Centre dividers were also installed along undivided roads that provide physical separation between the lanes. Flashing lights would also warn motorists to slow their vehicles to 40kmh.

From the second quarter of the year, these measures will be extended progressively to the other 200 Enhanced School Zones — which includes most primary schools — with work expected to be completed by 2018.

Among the new measures is a 40kmh When Lights Flash sign. The three-tiered sign comprises a Children Ahead, School Zone sign, a 40kmh speed-limit sign, beneath which sits a pair of amber light-emitting diode (LED) lights that flash alternately during school peak hours.

Responding to TODAY’s queries, a Ministry of Education spokesperson said the ministry and the Traffic Police ensure that road safety topics are incorporated into the primary school syllabus and assembly talks. For instance, school teachers use different materials such as newspapers, videos and posters to highlight safe behaviour.

The schools also have various measures in place. For example, Dunman Secondary School Principal Suresh Balakrishnan said that during peak periods, his school deploys its security guards as road marshals at two different locations — the main gate, and a pedestrian crossing just outside the school.

Ms Leraine Leow, a 36-year-old piano teacher, has two sons studying at Temasek Primary School. She noted the heavy traffic after school, with cars lining up to pick up the children.

Madam Sharon Koo, 48, who chairs the Parent Support Group at Beatty Secondary School, suggested that the school uses the assembly period to highlight road safety and the traffic situation around the school to the Secondary 1 students.

Members of Parliament (MP) urged drivers to be cautious when they are within the school zones, and suggested that schools deploy road marshals. Tampines GRC MP Baey Yam Keng said he occasionally receives complaints from residents about road safety within school zones, including complaints about drivers making illegal U-turns, and stopping dangerously while waiting to pick up children or dropping them off.

Mountbatten MP Lim Biow Chuan said schools ought to regularly remind parents to drive carefully around schools. Adding that public education is more important than punitive action, Mr Lim said the message must be constantly emphasised to motorists.

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