Sim Ann on Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

The government is making significant changes to the law to decisively arrest the increase in traffic fatalities and injuries. Second Minister for Home Affairs Sim Ann, who highlighted the key provisions of the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill in parliament on Tuesday (Aug 4), said it will strengthen accountability for the most egregious road conduct, further deter driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and enhance the Traffic Police's ability to detect and enforce against traffic offences. One key change relates to dangerous driving - with a new offence of purposeful endangerment. To further deter driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the bill tightens the prescribed alcohol limits, which broadly correspond to no more than 1.5 standard drinks for males and not more than one standard drink for females, consumed three hours before driving. Another key change - it will be an offence for a driver to hold a mobile communication device while the vehicle is moving. During the reading of the bill, Speaker Seah Kian Peng welcomed Thailand’s Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and her entourage to parliament. He described her as a cherished and long-standing friend of Singapore who has played a pivotal role in deepening bilateral ties.