We know how Singapore is a very particular country when it comes to keeping to the rules for whatever aspect they serve, but with the continuous rise in traffic violations and road accidents, the government is now seeking to make key changes and updates to existing laws which govern traffic and road matters.
This just means to show how the government means all business in curtailing the rise in traffic-related accidents and violations, which is actually a very good thing for everyone.
More Stringent Penalties and Fines for Driving Offenders Soon to Take Place in SG
Soon, irresponsible and reckless motorists will face graver penalties such as longer jail time and even having their vehicle seized under the proposed changes to the Road Traffic Act (RTA), as shared in a report by the Straits Times.
The announcement was made on Thursday (February 21) by Ms Sun Xueling, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs (MHA) and National Development noting that the increase in the penalties for motorists who drive irresponsibly or recklessly will make them think about their behaviour twice, as the penalties will commensurate to the harm they will cause.
With the changes to the RTA, dangerous driving and careless driving will broadly fall under the offences of rash act and negligent act based on the Penal Code.
In line with this, authorities will also look into the manner through which the vehicle was operated, such as in the case where the motorist was driving at excessively high speeds or driving the vehicle in dangerous proximity to other vehicles.
Moreover, other factors such as whether the motorist was lacking sleep or was not in a healthy state to drive safely, or whether the situation required the driver to exercise extra caution but had failed to do so, will all be taken into consideration.
If found guilty of dangerous driving, the accused could face a maximum of eight years for the first offence, up from the corresponding current penalty of five years.
Furthermore, the courts will be allowed to impose a minimum disqualification period of eight years for cases where death or grievous hurt has resulted.