The Traffic Police (TP) conducted an island-wide enforcement operation during the early hours of Thursday, 3 December 2015. The operation was targeted at errant motorists who were found to be drink driving.
80 drivers were stopped and tested for alcohol consumption at various road blocks set up across Singapore. 15 men and 1 woman aged between 22 and 47, failed the test and were arrested for drink driving. The highest Breath Evidential Analyser (BEA) test result was 79 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, which is more than double the prescribed legal limit of 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
Drink drivers, upon conviction, will be disqualified from driving for at least 12 months. They will lose their driving licences and have to retake and pass the theory and practical driving tests in order to obtain their driving licences again. In addition, first-time offenders can be fined between $1,000 and $5,000 and can have their driving licences disqualified for a period ranging from 12 to 48 months, depending on their BEA test results. Repeat offenders may be punished with a maximum fine of $30,000 and a mandatory jail term of up to three years. They may also receive up to 6 strokes of the cane should death or serious injury be caused.
During the road block, drivers who were found to have exercised responsibility on the roads, for example by engaging valet services after drinking, were commended. This commendation initiative is part of AsiaOne’s Anti Drink-Drive Campaign, jointly organised by Traffic Police, Singapore Safety Road Council and AsiaOne. This year, the message for AsiaOne’s Anti Drink-Drive campaign aims to remind motorists to stay clear of drink drinking and hold onto the trust given to them by their loved ones to reach home safely.
Muhd Firdous Bin Haniff, the Patrol Unit Team Leader for the operations at one of the island-wide roadblocks said “Traffic Police would like to commend responsible drivers who choose not to drink and drive. We would also like to remind the public that drink driving is a very serious offence and the penalties are severe. TP will not let down in our efforts against errant motorists and those who choose to drink and drive will have to be prepared to face the consequences. Everyone has a role to play in building a better road culture. Use your RoadSense and let’s all do our part to keep the roads safer.â€
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
03 December 2015 @ 4:00 PM