Introduction

In a shocking turn of events, a motorist’s reckless actions in Singapore have left three individuals seriously injured, prompting authorities to take swift legal action. On November 13, 2023, four men, including a Chinese national and a Myanmar national, were charged with a series of traffic offences stemming from dangerous driving incidents.

Details of the Incidents

The accused, 42-year-old Li Danping, allegedly ran a red light on April 16, 2023, around 5:45 PM while driving along New Bridge Road towards Kampong Bahru Road. This reckless decision resulted in a high-impact collision with another vehicle, seriously injuring two of his passengers and the driver of the other car involved. While the court documents did not reveal specific details regarding the victims' injuries, the incident highlights the severe consequences of ignoring traffic signals.

Li, along with 64-year-old Myanmar national Kyaw Moe, each face serious charges of causing grievous hurt through dangerous driving. Both men are permanent residents of Singapore, raising questions about the responsibility of long-term residents on the roads.

Other Charges

The other two men charged include Singaporeans Chew Bai Lang, 34, and Mohammed Shahrin Shamsuddin, 55, who face charges for causing grievous hurt due to a lack of reasonable consideration for other road users.

Chew’s reckless behaviour is under scrutiny following an incident on January 8, 2024, where he allegedly failed to maintain a proper lookout while making a right turn on Hougang Avenue 9, resulting in a collision that injured a motorcyclist. Other significant actions include Shahrin’s dangerous maneuver at a non-signalised junction of Lorong Sarina and Sims Avenue East, where he crossed double white lines, leading to a crash involving a cyclist.

Kyaw Moe’s reckless incident occurred on September 14, 2024, when he allegedly disregarded a red light while driving his lorry at Jurong Town Hall Road, directly causing an accident with a motorcycle.

Court Proceedings

The court will reconvene on November 27 to revisit Shahrin's case, while the other three men will await their turn in court in December.

Traffic Accident Statistics

This series of events occurs amidst a troubling trend: the number of traffic accident injuries surged in the first half of 2024 to 4,629 compared to 4,522 during the same timeframe in 2023. Despite this, there is a silver lining, as incidents of drivers running red lights have decreased from 59 to 45 in the same period.

Legal Consequences

Under current Singaporean law, if convicted of causing grievous hurt through dangerous driving, first-time offenders face potential jail sentences of one to five years. For those accused of driving without reasonable consideration for others, penalties can include up to two years behind bars and fines reaching $5,000.

Conclusion

As authorities continue their efforts to address road safety, these cases serve as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!