New defensive riding workshop for platform workers; Govt aims to reach 1,400 riders in two years

Of the four platform workers, three were delivery workers, and one was a ride-hailing worker.

The figures also showed that about 86 per cent of platform workers with fatal or major injuries in the first half of 2026 had been involved in a vehicular incident.

More injuries were reported among workers who provided delivery services than among those in ride-hailing work.

Sim noted that platform workers face a higher risk from road accidents.

“They spend significantly more time on the roads than the average rider. As a result, they face greater exposure and greater risks,” she said.

Sim said that beyond equipping platform workers with the skills to ride safely, employers must also support them by adopting practices that allow them to ride safely.

She added: “We regularly engage employers and platform operators to encourage them to adopt responsible workplace practices.

“This includes avoiding time-based incentives or penalties, as we do not want platform workers to rush on the roads, and ensuring that there are appropriate work-rest arrangements to manage their fatigue.”

Sim said that the Multi-Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce, established in October 2022 to strengthen workplace safety and health outcomes in higher-risk sectors, has joined forces with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Traffic Police (TP) to address work-related traffic risks.

The workshop’s introduction comes after the August release of TP statistics, which showed that the number of road traffic accidents and casualties has risen over the past three years.

Police statistics showed that the number of injured motorcyclists and pillion riders went up by 5.8 per cent in the first half of 2026, even as the total number of fatal accidents fell by 23.1 per cent.

Motorcyclists and pillion riders accounted for 45.9 per cent of all road deaths. They were involved in 55.6 per cent of all traffic accidents resulting in injuries and death.

In her speech, Sim said riders must also take responsibility, including wearing the right riding gear and avoiding risks, including speeding.

In this regard, she said a checklist will be made available on delivery apps, physical banners and at motorcycle parking lots at participating malls to remind riders to cultivate safer habits and make better choices on the roads.

Said Sim: “Road safety is a shared responsibility. Government agencies will continue to strengthen our policies, outreach and enforcement. Industry partners must continue to champion safe riding practices. Every rider must continue to make safe choices on every journey.

“If each of us plays our part, we can make our roads safer for everyone.”