Road traffic deaths rise in 2023; more fatal accidents involving speeding, red-light running, drink-driving

SINGAPORE: The number of fatal traffic accidents in Singapore rose in 2023, with cases increasing "significantly" from 104 in 2022 to 131.

As traffic volumes rose following the lifting of COVID-19 measures in 2022, so did the number of traffic accidents, Singapore Police Force (SPF) said on Tuesday (Feb 20).

The number of fatal accidents in 2023 exceeded the pre-COVID level of 117 cases in 2019. 

SPF also noted a rise in traffic accidents leading to injuries but the figure was still below that of 2019.

Fatal accidents caused by violations such as red-light running, speeding, and drink-driving all increased in 2023.

While the number of red-light running and speeding violations and accidents fell last year, fatal cases resulting from such accidents rose. 

Red-light running fatal accidents went up from three in 2022 to eight in 2023, while speeding-related fatal accidents rose from 18 to 33.

Drink-driving accidents, including those resulting in deaths, increased. Fatal cases increased by one, to 11 in 2023.

Accidents that caused injuries increased slightly by 2.4 per cent from 6,779 cases in 2022 to 6,944 cases in 2023. The number of people injured also rose, though both figures stayed below their pre-COVID levels.

The authorities flagged that there was a "significant increase" in the number of accidents that were caused by motorists who either failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to properly control their vehicle or changed lanes without due care.

"Motorcyclists and elderly pedestrians are the most vulnerable groups of road users, and continue to account for a disproportionate number of traffic accidents resulting in injuries or death," said SPF.

While motorcycles only make up 14.4 per cent of the total vehicle population, motorcyclists or pillion riders were involved in 53.5 per cent of all traffic accidents and accounted for half of all traffic fatalities.

In addition, while comprising only 19.1 per cent of Singapore's population, the elderly were involved in 68.4 per cent of all fatal traffic accidents involving pedestrians, and accounted for 69.2 per cent of pedestrian fatalities.

"Compared to 2022, the number of fatal accidents in 2023 involving motorcyclists and elderly pedestrians increased by 44.0 per cent and 13.0 per cent respectively."

TIGHTER ENFORCEMENT

In light of the increase in number of accidents and fatalities, the Traffic Police (TP) "will take a tougher enforcement stance against irresponsible road users".

The composition sums and demerit points for certain traffic offences will be increased to serve as a stronger deterrence against errant drivers. More details will be announced later this year, said the police.

"Motorists who choose to flout the law may also lose their right to drive, as we may suspend or revoke their licence," said SPF.

Errant motorists who break traffic rules and regulations, including those that run red lights, speed or drive drunk, may be prosecuted in court.

For accidents that cause grievous hurt or death, they may face imprisonment and driving disqualification.

The police will also "progressively and dynamically" activate the speed enforcement function in red light cameras across Singapore, especially at locations that are more prone to accidents or violations.

Red light cameras are prominently displayed in orange and white, said police.

"They are accompanied by prominent warning signs that make clear the speed limit of that road," said the police, adding that a list of cameras and their locations can be found on their website.

The authorities noted a decrease in violations detected by traffic enforcement cameras in 2023, while the number of speeding violations detected by other police enforcement operations increased by 22 per cent from 52,016 cases to 63,468.

"This shows that speed cameras are effective in deterring speeding, and that motorists choose to speed at locations where they think no one is watching."

The number of fatal accidents related to speeding increased by 83.3 per cent in 2023, while the proportion of fatal accidents due to speeding increased to 25.2 per cent from 17.3 per cent in 2022.

"Through this measure, TP aims to discourage motorists from speeding even in areas where there are no static speed cameras.

"We urge motorists to exercise responsibility, drive with care, and respect traffic rules, for their own safety and the safety of their loved ones."