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The Government is taking seriously the issue of road
safety and is committed to reducing the number of people
killed in accidents. Forums are being conducted
regularly to bring law-makers, law enforcement officers
and road users together to discuss ways to tackle the
rise in road accidents. Everyone agrees that more needs
to be done on road safety in its determination to curb
the ate of road accidents in the country. The
Government, with the cooperation of relevant agencies,
is making serious efforts to instill proper road culture
in children, young adults and the public in general.
There are approximately 14 million cars on the road with
the figure on the rise and the traffic police have been
taking a tough stance on traffic offenders. During the
first 10 months of the year, the traffic police issued
143,077 summonses to motorists for traffic light related
offences. Statistics reveal that traffic light related
offences are on the rise, especially in the urban areas.
The traffic police, however, have taken a tough stance
against traffic light defaulters by slapping hefty fines
and 'awarding' demerit points to the offenders. Typical
reasons cited for beating traffic lights include rushing
to an urgent appointment or even worse to be completely
oblivious of the changing of the lights.
If an accident results from the violation of the
traffic regulations, the driver could very well find
himself in court charged with dangerous driving. Usual
punishments include a fine, a ban on driving for a
specified time and may even be a prison sentence.
Sometimes, the court may even order to pay out
compensation if death occurs as a result of the
accident.
One common misconception held by motorists is that
when the light turns amber, they should speed up and
clear the junction before the light turns red. But in
fact, the amber light indicates that the motorist should
slow down in order to stop. By following and
understanding the guideline, unintentional traffic light
beating will almost be improbable, while making the road
safer for everyone else.
Sometimes, motorists are flagged down by the police
because they could have committed one traffic offence or
another. The most common are speeding, using the hand
phone without a hands-free kit, using the emergency lane
or reckless driving. If flagged down, indicate your
intention by using your indicator and pull over to the
side and at night switch on your cabin lights. This will
allow the police officer to look into your car easily.
Also, voluntarily turning on he light will show that you
have nothing to hide.
Usually at road blocks, for every 10 plain-clothes
police officers, there would be two uniformed police
personnel manning the operation. If you are stopped by
uniformed police officers while driving, stop the car
and wind down your window. If the police officers ask
for your documents, request to see their identifications
first. you have the right to know the offence you have
committed by asking the police officers. Produce your
identity card and driver's license and wait to collect
your summons.
If you are flagged down by persons claiming to be
plain-clothes police officers, do not stop.
Plain-clothes police officers do not have the authority
to stop you. Drive to the nearest police station and
lodge a report. |
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5. |
(a) Usually at road blocks, for every 10 plain-clothes police officers,
there are tow uniformed police personnel manning the operation.
(b) i. Request the police officer to show his identifications first.
ii. Do not stop but proceed to the nearest
police station. |
