Fall in traffic accidents with injuries, deaths last year: Traffic Police

SINGAPORE — The number of fatal and injury accidents fell 10.6 per cent to 6,426 cases last year from 7,188 in 2012, announced the Traffic Police (TP) today (Feb 10).

This amounts to about 66 fatal and injury accidents per 10,000 vehicles last year, down from about 74 in 2012.

The number of traffic accident deaths fell from 168 in 2012 to 159 last year, said the TP. Fatalities among the two vulnerable road user groups, namely the motorcyclists and their pillion riders, as well as elderly pedestrians, declined last year.

However, there is a “cause for concern” with regards to rising number of deaths involving heavy vehicle accidents, which rose 37.5 per cent, and the growing numbers of repeat traffic offenders, said the TP.

TP said it would continue enforcement efforts against heavy vehicles, helped by the recently introduced speed limiters on these vehicles.

Noting the presence of recalcitrant traffic offenders, Commander of Traffic Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Cheang Keng Keong said: “We will be firmer with our appeals and errant motorists can expect to be suspended and lose their licenses altogether if they do not improve on their driving behavior.”