Road safety needs a boost

Road accidents — minor and major ones — are occurring frequently in Singapore (“Motorcyclist killed after running over wooden plank on PIE”; Aug 8, online and “One dead, four taken to hospital in multi-vehicle crash along Woodlands Ave 12”; Aug 7, online).

The top causes of road accidents include failing to keep a proper lookout and failing to have proper control of one’s vehicle.

I witnessed an accident once: A truck crashed against barricades on the side of MacPherson Road. Its windows were shattered, but luckily no one was injured. This caused a jam, however, and the Traffic Police took time to arrive.

In May, a tipper truck accident in the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway tunnel caused the partial closure of the exit to Nicoll Highway. These accidents show not only the dangers involved, but also the disruption to others.

There are signs along the expressways reminding motorists to travel safely, but more action should be taken. For instance, the authorities could place more attention on safety awareness campaigns or advertising, including on social media platforms.

My father has encountered minor accidents in which his car was bumped into or he bumped into another car. I hope that all motorists here leave home happily and return safely.