Traffic police launches month-long crackdown on errant drivers of heavy vehicles
A rise in traffic violations and fatal accidents involving drivers of heavy vehicles have prompted the traffic police to launch a month-long enforcement operation. Photo: Najeer Yusof/TODAY
SINGAPORE — A rise in traffic violations and fatal accidents due to heavy vehicles has prompted the authorities to launch a month-long enforcement operation against errant drivers of such vehicles — the longest targeted enforcement exercise conducted by the traffic police.
The number of fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles — such as prime movers, buses and tipper trucks — have gone up by 20.6 per cent to 41 cases last year, up from 34 cases the year before.
Three in 10 fatal road accidents last year involves a heavy vehicle, the traffic police shared on Friday (Jun 16).
Up to Thursday (Jun 15), there were 19 fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles this year, up from the 16 reported in the same period last year.
Traffic violations by drivers of heavy vehicles also rose 13.3 per cent to 18,591 last year, from 16,413 in 2015.
The top three violations include speeding, failing to keep left on the expressway and using mobile communication devices while driving. A total of 62 summonses were slapped on 28 drivers of heavy vehicles for such offences in an operation conducted at the eastern and northern parts of the island on Friday.
In a press release following the operation, the police said it will continue to adopt a “tough enforcement stance” against errant drivers of heavy vehicles.
It stressed: “(The rise in fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles) is worrying as accidents involving heavy vehicles 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.”
