Cops told to get tougher
The New Paper
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Be tougher on speeding and reckless driving, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said on social networking site Facebook on Tuesday night.
He wrote: "At CCMC (Community Club Management Committee) meeting (tonight), all sad and shocked at Ferrari-taxi crash. Condolences to victims and families. Informed members that I'd told TP (traffic police) to be tougher on speeding/reckless driving.
"But shouldn't blame all foreigners for this. Good that many Singaporeans and foreigners expressed sadness and gave support to families, in a common bond of humanity."
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong later wrote on his Facebook page that he agrees with DPM Teo.
Mr Wen Penghui, first secretary from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Singapore, wrote in a letter to The Straits Times on Thursday: "We hope that Chinese citizens living in Singapore will respect life, value the safety of themselves and others, abide by its laws and regulations, and live responsibly and gracefully."
Mr Wen also said the embassy offers its condolences to the victims and their families.
Abide by speed limit
A police spokesman advises all motorists to abide by the road or vehicle speed limit at all times. He said: "Speeding is a common cause of traffic accidents. Motorists who speed not only have less time to react but also may face greater injury or death should they meet with an accident."
Last year, there were 225,550 speeding violations, compared to 205,000 in 2010. It is a stark increase from 2009's figure of 173,000.
Added the spokesman: "Traffic police are relentless in carrying out anti-speed operations. Motorists who are caught speeding can expect not only a hefty fine but also be given demerit points."
Singapore Management University assistant professor Eugene Tan said PM Lee's and DPM Teo's comments were significant.
"Rarely do we see a Prime Minister facebooking on a traffic accident and offering condolences via Facebook. The 'Ferrari-taxi' accident is no ordinary traffic accident.
"It was an horrific accident that is much talked about and which has evoked strong emotions among Singaporeans."
This article was first published in The New Paper.