The grim reality of road safety in Singapore has taken a disturbing turn, with recent statistics revealing a 10-year high in traffic fatalities in 2025, reaching a staggering 149 deaths. This isn't just a number; it represents countless shattered lives and families plunged into unimaginable grief. Personally, I think the most chilling aspect of this situation is that behind every statistic is a deeply personal tragedy, often unfolding in the most mundane of circumstances.
The Weight of a Kick Scooter
One particular incident, recounted by Traffic Police Inspector Mohamed Yazid Mohamed Yusoff, paints a visceral picture of this loss. He described arriving at an accident scene in 2020 to find the bloodied kick scooter of a five-year-old girl, a sight that undoubtedly mirrored the toys of his own son. The fact that this child, along with her grandmother, perished in a collision involving a van driven by her grandfather, underscores the devastating ripple effect of a single moment of inattention. What makes this particularly fascinating, and deeply saddening, is the detail that the girl might have survived had she been seated in the front. This isn't about assigning blame, but rather a stark reminder of how seemingly small decisions can have monumental, irreversible consequences. In my opinion, the image of that scooter, a symbol of childhood innocence, stained by tragedy, serves as a powerful, albeit horrific, emblem of the fragility of life on our roads.
The Human Cost of Recklessness
Inspector Yazid's six years on the fatal accident investigation team have clearly left an indelible mark. He speaks of the heartbreaking task of informing families of their loved ones' deaths, an experience that, despite its frequency, never becomes easier. The raw emotion in his voice, even when recounting these events years later, speaks volumes about the emotional toll of his profession. He recalls the case of a speeding driver who lost control, fatally striking a married father of three who was simply on his way home from work. This man, who had just moved into a new home and was looking forward to sharing it with friends and family, instead met his end, leaving behind a void that can never be filled. From my perspective, this highlights a profound misunderstanding among some drivers: that the road is a personal racetrack rather than a shared space where the actions of one can irrevocably alter the lives of many.
A 'War Zone' Created by Impunity
The incident involving Jeremiah Ng, who drove at speeds up to 169kmh in a 60kmh zone while under the influence of alcohol, is another stark example of utter disregard for human life. Inspector Yazid described the scene as a "war zone," with crushed vehicles and debris scattered everywhere. The Gojek driver who died was simply waiting at a traffic light, an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire of another's recklessness. The fact that Ng's appeal against his jail term was dismissed by the High Court in 2025, after he had already been sentenced to seven years for causing death by drink and dangerous driving, is a testament to the severity of his actions. What many people don't realize is the sheer terror and chaos such incidents create, not just for the immediate victims but for the first responders who have to witness and process the aftermath. This raises a deeper question about the societal attitudes that permit such egregious behavior to occur in the first place.
The Ultimate Sacrifice: A Jobless Future
Inspector Yazid's closing sentiment is perhaps the most profound: "I don’t mind being put out of a job if that means nobody dies on our roads." This statement encapsulates the true spirit of public service and a deep-seated desire for a safer society. It's a call to action, urging all road users to put egos aside, adhere to speed limits, avoid drinking and driving, and maintain concentration. If we, as a collective, can achieve a state where traffic fatalities are a thing of the past, then the role of traffic police in investigating such incidents would indeed become obsolete. This, in my opinion, should be our ultimate goal – a future where the dedication and courage of officers like Inspector Yazid are no longer needed to attend to scenes of preventable tragedy.
