Impose tougher penalties on errant heavy vehicle drivers

I refer to the report “Truck driver arrested after six-vehicle accident” (April 10), about the terrible accident that killed an innocent motorcyclist.

While we await the findings of the police, I wish to express my concern over the increasing number of fatal accidents caused by heavy vehicles in the past year.

Last year, the number of fatalities that resulted from accidents involving heavy vehicles increased by 37.5 per cent, from 32 in 2012 to 44, said the police.

Looking at the trend and the latest reports, I expect more fatalities this year involving heavy vehicles:

• A motorcyclist died in an accident with a trailer truck on the Bukit Timah Expressway on Jan 6.

• A motorcyclist died in an accident in Tuas involving a tipper truck on Jan 9.

• A motorcyclist, 27, died in a collision with a lorry on the Bukit Timah Expressway during the evening rush hour on Feb 24.

• A woman, 70, died in an accident involving a lorry at a car park in Hougang on March 12.

The authorities should observe any expressway for only 10 minutes after the morning peak period to see how fast heavy vehicles are travelling, making a mockery of the speed limit label at the back of the vehicles. Speeding drivers are not worried about the danger they pose and the potential fatal accidents they can cause.

Sadly, I do not see enforcement personnel tracking these speeding vehicles. For example, why are heavy vehicles not using the leftmost lane of the expressway? A lack of consistent enforcement encourages brazen behaviour among these commercial drivers.

I have two suggestions. First, a Global Positioning System unit should be installed in all heavy vehicles to track speed and inconsiderate driving.

Second, the penalties for drivers of heavy vehicles who break traffic rules should be increased, in terms of more demerit points and fines for first and subsequent offences, and longer jail terms for those who caused fatal accidents.

One life lost on the roads is one too many. Daredevil lorry drivers do not mind taking risks, though, as the current penalties are light.

So, when will the authorities say that enough is enough?