Launch of the Singapore Road Safety Month 2022 - Opening Remarks by Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development

1.   Hello everyone, it is my pleasure to launch this year’s Singapore Road Safety Month.

Strengthening Road Safety

2.   Our roads have become safer over the years. In 2010, there were 193 traffic accident fatalities. This improved to 118 fatalities in 2019. Last year, there were 107 fatalities, although this is partly attributed to lower traffic volume arising from the pandemic. Nevertheless, the overall trend is encouraging. It shows that our efforts to improve road safety have borne fruit.

3.   Our approach to road safety is a holistic one. We work closely with other agencies, such as LTA, to ensure that our road infrastructure and regulations facilitate road safety. At the same time, we implement education and engagement initiatives to remind road users to be gracious and responsible, and to adopt road safety habits. All of these measures are complemented by our enforcement measures to deter and apprehend errant road users who drive irresponsibly.

Singapore Road Safety Month

4.   Let me now talk about the Singapore Road Safety Month. This campaign is a joint effort between the Traffic Police, or TP, in short, and the Singapore Road Safety Council, or SRSC. The aim is to advance the road safety agenda by educating and engaging various stakeholder groups. This year, the Singapore Road Safety Month campaign will feature three aspects:

5.   First, the SRSC will launch a ‘Friends of SRSC’ volunteer scheme. Under this scheme, members of public can sign up and volunteer as road safety advocates. Advocates will assist SRSC in sharing road safety messages through their personal networks, and help the SRSC front physical campaigns and initiatives.

6.   Second, the campaign will launch infographics and video advisories targeted at young students and their parents. For example, banners and posters will be put up at School Zones, to remind pedestrians to use designated crossing channels and motorists to use designated venues for pick-up and drop-off. Short, bite-sized road safety videos will also be introduced via social media platforms.

7.   Third, to educate the public at large, the SRSC will put up road safety advisories on posters and banners islandwide to remind motorists not to speed, and to comply with traffic signals.

Conclusion

8.   To conclude, road safety is a shared responsibility. I encourage everyone to join in these activities, and spread the road safety messages to your friends and loved ones. Together, we can help keep our roads safe and secure.

9.   Thank you.