SINGAPORE – The latest traffic figures show that road accidents and fatalities are continuing to rise.
From January to September, traffic accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities rose by 7.4 per cent to 5,765, from 5,368 in the same period in 2024.
Motorcyclists and elderly pedestrians continue to be over-represented in accidents.
Figures for motorcyclists involved in accidents increased by 7.8 per cent to 3,191, from 2,960, while accidents involving elderly pedestrians spiked by 17.8 per cent to 179, from 152.
The figures were released by Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs Sim Ann in her speech at the Singapore Road Safety Council (SRSC) fund-raising gala dinner at Marina Bay Sands on Oct 24.
Said Ms Sim: “What makes these statistics troubling is when you recall what we observe daily on our roads – we see motorcyclists riding without proper protective gear; we also see elderly pedestrians taking dangerous shortcuts across busy roads.
“These figures that I’ve shared underscore how important it is for us to sustain our efforts, and why the work of SRSC, together with its partners, remains so critical.”
On a positive note, SRSC raised $612,000 through the dinner.
Ms Sim said: “This is a remarkable show of support from our community, and a testament to the importance of SRSC’s mission.”
The money will be used to support road safety education and outreach programmes.
Guests at the dinner included stakeholders from both the public and private sectors such as the Singapore Motor Cycle Trade Association and Automobile Association of Singapore, community organisations and donors.
SRSC chairman Bernard Tay said in his opening address that the presence of donors and partners reflects a strong community spirit that drives SRSC’s efforts forward.
He said SRSC had made new partnerships with transport operators, the National Transport Workers’ Union, as well as the Singapore Armed Forces – encouraging its military vehicle drivers to uphold high standards of road safety.
He said: “With your continued encouragement and generosity, SRSC will be able to sustain and grow our road safety mission, making a positive difference in the life of all road users.”
The stakeholders have shown support in nationwide awareness efforts, digital and social media outreach, and projects focused on vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, said SRSC and the Singapore Police Force in a joint statement.
