In this week alone, I have seen two accidents along AYE area near the entrance I usually pass through. For the past two years, I can’t recall any serious accidents along this highway, which is different than accident-prone PIE.
Few days ago a heavy truck was rolled sideways and obsctucted two lanes. While efficiently is amazing in SIngapore, there was still quick a snaking traffic which goes very low about 5-10 KM/h. Similarly today, another long queue about 1-2 KM before the accident area. The funny thing is that once you passed through the accident point, the traffic was a breeze. Roads are empty and you can get on to normal maximum allowed speed limit 90KM/h.
So what causes the excessive jam? Well, The other road users!! They are not affected by the accident but have a large curiosity. Every cars and motorcycles would slow down near the line of sight of accident area. They try to have a look at the spot as long as they can and sometimes ignoring their own safety. A motorcycle driver in front of me took multiple glimpse of the accident point behind him and ignoring what is in front of him. Should he lost his balance, i would have ran into his motorcycle…. Who is at fault then? How to prove this in case the accident really happen?
On another point, the low COE phenomenon from late 2006 has started to yield an undesirable effect. Car registration was taking pace faster than ever and there are plenty of new car owners in the past two years. I have seen plenty of irresponsible drivers that do the following:
- Swithing lane without signalling first. (Lazy, Laxy and Lazy)
- Switching lane when there is not enough safety distance, even though signal light was given, it is dangerous, as the driver behind wouldn’t have enough time to react. (Just Follow Law, but never use it in context. In this case the signal light was turned on but not to negotiate traffic).
- Doing a zig-zag into available lanes (F1 driver wannabes)
- Not turning own main lamp during heavy rain and low visibility (They must have thought switching lights will use more petrol !!)
- Stopping at double yellow line (There is a good reason why it is marked with double yellow line!)
- Stopping without signaling and just brake at will without regards of other road users.
When I see cars with one or the above signs, I try to be careful and avoid these irresponsible divers. While It is unfair to stereotype, Bulk of road users with the above signs are either lorry or Taxi drivers. Taxis would stop with short or no warning at all, which may cause a multiple car accident.
Last week, there were multiple car crash in ECP just after Changi Airport. Guess who were involved? Well if you read my text above, you’d guess well. 2 Taxies and 1 private car in a consecutive crash.
How I wish that I can communicate and pass my message to those irresponsible road users to get their act together and follow the rules. When they endanger themselves, they endanger other road users.
Practical advice
1. When you see careless drivers (signs including the above but not limited to thoese), take extra precaution and keep safe distance.
2. Use headlamp and horn to remind such drivers and get their attention to be more careful. (Once I did this, usually, those vehicles who never bother to signal when switching lane, will do so)
3. Maintain safe distance when you’re in high-speed. Getting into a multiple crash if a nightmare
4. Ensure your lamps are working. I have seen a car with a faulty braking lamp, others won’t know when this car hit a brake.
Tags: accident, manners, road, Singapore, traffic jam
