Unsolved Hit-and-Run Traffic Accidents
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms Joan Pereira’s inquiry regarding unsolved hit-and-run traffic accidents and the information networks used to catch fleeing drivers. Minister K Shanmugam stated that since 2015, about one-third of 233 injury cases and six out of seven fatal cases have been solved. The Traffic Police utilize forensic evidence, camera footage, and witness appeals while collaborating with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and motor workshops. Investigations involve identifying suspicious vehicle damage through General Insurance Association data and engagements with the motor insurance and workshop industries. Severe penalties like fines up to $3,000, imprisonment, and driving disqualification are enforced alongside Penal Code charges to deter offenders.
Transcript
35 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) to date, how many hit-and-run traffic cases remain unsolved; (b) whether the Ministry has an information network which includes workshops to report on suspicious damaged vehicles, and immigration officers to do the same for vehicles leaving Singapore; and (c) what other measures are in place to apprehend drivers on the run.
Mr K Shanmugam: Since 2015, there were a total of 233 hit-and-run accidents involving injuries and seven involving fatalities. About one-third of those involving injuries, which comprise the bulk of such accidents, have been solved. Of the seven fatal hit-and-run accidents, all but one have been solved.
As part of investigations into such accidents, the Traffic Police (TP) will examine all available forensic evidence as well as camera footage from the accident scene and its vicinity. TP will also appeal for witnesses through multiple platforms, such as displaying witness appeal signs at the accident location and broadcasting appeal notices via mainstream and social media. Once the identity of the offender or vehicle is established, TP will spare no effort to bring the offender to task.
TP also work through various partners like the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, the insurance and motor workshop industries to locate the vehicles. TP obtain accident information, including the damage to the vehicles, from the General Insurance Association. TP will also engage motor workshops as part of its investigations.
We take a tough stance against motorists who flee from an accident scene. All motorists must stop when they are involved in an accident and render aid to the victim. Severe penalties are meted out to hit-and-run offenders to deter motorists from fleeing from the accident scene. Offenders can be fined up to $3,000 or sentenced to imprisonment of up to a year. The offender will also be disqualified from driving for at least a year. These charges are in addition to charges under the Penal Code, if death or hurt is caused in the accident.