Road users’ responsibility, too

Again, something that involves the elderly… well, not only the elderly, but the majority of fatalities are from the elderly group. But it means that whatever age, road safety should be observed at all times (jaywalking or not). Accidents are accidents, and they happen by accident (?!)

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ROAD SAFETY – ON HIGH RATE OF DEATH OF JAYWALKERS

Letter from DSP Paul Tay

Assistant Director, Media Relations

Public Affairs Department

Singapore Police Force

THE police share Mr Chen Khin Wee's concerns ("Jaywalking Deaths: Road to a solution", May 14) and would like to take the opportunity to share some of our outreach efforts on road safety in this aspect.

To address the problem of jaywalking at its root, the Traffic Police has been reaching out and educating road users on the importance of abiding by road traffic rules and the dangers of jaywalking. Campaigns were tailored to the different age groups and the public engaged via the media, road safety campaigns and talks.

Out of the 62 pedestrian fatalities in 2008, 45 per cent (28) were people above 60 years of age. Among these elderly pedestrians who died, 22 were jaywalkers who crossed at pedestrian crossings while the red man was lit or failed to use pedestrian crossings altogether. Of the 10 pedestrians who lost their lives on the roads in the first quarter of this year, two were elderly jaywalkers.

Traffic Police has worked with organisations like Singapore Action Group of Elders and the various grassroots organisations to reach out to senior citizens. For instance, senior citizens are encouraged to learn about road safety through their participation in traffic games in a simulated traffic environment at the Road Safety Community Park. Understanding the elderly's love for song and entertainment, Traffic Police has also been releasing road safety videos with songs infused with safety tips to senior citizens.

In January, together with Elias Community Centre, Traffic Police launched another programme with talks and educational materials specially tailored for elderly pedestrians.

To complement these educational efforts, the Traffic Police has also been taking regular enforcement action against jaywalkers. About 14,400 summonses were issued to jaywalkers in the past two years. Pedestrians who jaywalk commit an offence that entails a composition amount of $20. If charged and convicted in court, the pedestrian is liable to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months. In the case of a second or subsequent offence, the offender faces a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.

While Traffic Police will continue to enforce and educate, motorists and pedestrians should also do their part. Together, we can prevent unnecessary loss of lives on the roads.

From TODAYonline.com, Voices – Monday, 01-Jun-2009; see the source article here.

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ROAD TO A SOLUTION?

This person has a point. Whether it is the pedestrian or the driver at fault, could it be that Singapore, in its 'safe-as-a-vault' environment, has made the people lax and relax, with lowered guards every time, and to raise their voice to summon the higher authorities' help when in distress? I could be generalizing, but I am also making my point here. This is my opinion, based on my observation…

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More analysis needed to the root cause of pedestrian deaths on roads.

Letter from Chen Khin Wee

I refer to "7 in 10 killed on roads were jaywalkers" (May 13). I find this baffling.

In less developed countries with relatively few pedestrian crossings and overhead bridges, the act of crossing a road is routinely performed by tens of thousands of people, including school children, with relatively few untoward incidents.

To them, it is a matter of common sense to look left, right and left again, and to cross only when the way is clear.

It would be helpful if the authorities provide details as to who the people getting killed on Singapore's roads are, and the circumstances surrounding the accidents.

Were they children who were not properly trained in road safety?

Were they young people distracted by conversation with their friends or plugged into their music players, rendering them oblivious to their surroundings?

Were they impatient office workers trying to beat the lights at signalled crossings in order to catch a train?

Were they elderly folk with failing eyesight and hearing?

Or perhaps they were those who failed to come to terms with the fact that they were no longer as agile as they used to be, and dodging traffic was not as easy as when they were younger.

We require a more sophisticated analysis to the problem to find an appropriate solution.

Imposing a fine or a blanket ban on jaywalking is an easy way out, but is unhelpful if the problem is to be solved meaningfully and effectively.

From TODAY, Voices – Thursday, 14-May-2009