Cases of Road Rage and Aggressive Behaviour Involving Motor Vehicles in Past Three Years
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns trends in road rage and aggressive motor vehicle behavior and whether current measures effectively combat dangerous driving. Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked about recent enforcement actions, to which Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam responded that reports decreased from 48 in 2019 to 36 in 2021. Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam stated that 2019 Road Traffic Act amendments increased penalties for dangerous driving to include $5,000 fines and 12-month jail terms. He also noted that 2021 legislative changes empower the Courts to disqualify motorists from driving for life if an offense occurs during a road rage incident. The Government maintains that the current regime sufficiently deters irresponsible driving but will continue to monitor the situation for any required adjustments.
Transcript
11 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether there has been an increase in the number of reports and enforcement actions against road rage and aggressive behaviour involving motor vehicles in the past three years, given the proliferation of dashboard evidence published online by the public; and (b) whether the Government is considering stronger measures to combat dangerous and anti-social driving behaviour.
Mr K Shanmugam: The number of reports on incidents of road rage and aggressive behaviour involving motor vehicles has decreased from 48 reports in 2019 to 36 reports in 2021. This decrease could be due to multiple reasons, including lower traffic volumes during the pandemic. The number of enforcement actions has decreased as well. In 2019, the Police took action against 21 road rage incidents involving the offence of voluntarily causing harm; while in 2021, the Police took action against 11 such incidents.
We are of the view that the current regime sufficiently deters dangerous and anti-social driving behaviour. In 2019, we amended the Road Traffic Act and introduced stiffer penalties to strengthen deterrence against irresponsible driving behaviour. With the changes, those found guilty of Dangerous Driving now face a fine of up to $5,000 or to an imprisonment term of up to 12 months, or both, for a first offence. These penalties are doubled for repeat offenders. Offenders also face stiffer penalties if their driving results in hurt, grievous hurt or death. In 2021, we further amended the Road Traffic Act such that motorists found guilty of any offence under written law in the context of road rage may also be disqualified from driving for life or any period that the Courts think fit.
We will monitor the situation and make further adjustments where necessary.