The Traffic Police (TP) conducted a two-week island-wide operation against heavy vehicle drivers earlier this month and more than 300 errant drivers were caught for committing various traffic violations.
During the operation, a total of 328 summonses were issued against heavy vehicle drivers for various traffic offences, such as speeding and failing to keep left on expressways. In addition, road safety advisories were also issued to the heavy vehicle drivers. This forms part of TP’s three-pronged approach of education, engagement and enforcement.
Three-Pronged Approach
In May 2018, the Singapore Road Safety Month was launched with a key focus on education and engagement of heavy vehicle drivers. During the road safety seminar held at the launch, the Singapore Road Safety Council (SRSC) and TP engaged heavy vehicle fleet operators on how they can play their part to reduce the number of traffic accidents involving heavy vehicles.
In line with recommendations by the Safer Roads Industry Taskforce (SRIT), TP has conducted trials to test the effectiveness of speed-tracking devices installed on heavy vehicles. Three types of devices are being trialed, namely the Digital Tachograph, the Enhanced Speed Limiter and the Fleet Management System. These devices are equipped with an audio buzzer which will be activated when the heavy vehicle driver exceeds the vehicle’s speed limit. As part of the trial, TP will study the accuracy and compatibility of these devices with the heavy vehicles used in Singapore, as well as their ability to resist tampering.
In the first half of 2018, the total number of fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles have decreased by 50%, to 10, from 20 in the same period last year. This accounted for 18% of the total number of fatal accidents. While there are improvements in the statistics, traffic accidents involving heavy vehicles remain a concern as they could potentially cause greater damage and loss of lives.
As heavy vehicle drivers spend many hours on the roads and are always on a tight schedule, it is even more important for them to obey all traffic rules and regulations. For errant heavy vehicle drivers who flout traffic rules, TP will continue to adopt a tough enforcement stance against them. TP would also like to urge all road users to play their part by adopting good RoadSense and to look out for one another.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
17 September 2018 @ 4:45 PM