SaferSG, Together Roadshow – Speech by Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Home Affairs

Commissioner of Police, Mr How Kwang Hwee,

Chairman of the National Crime Prevention Council, Mr Gerald Singham,

Chairman of the Singapore Road Safety Council, Mr Bernard Tay,

Distinguished Guests and Partners,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. Good afternoon. Welcome to the inaugural “SaferSG, Together” roadshow.

A National Movement for Community Safety

2. The “SaferSG, Together” movement was launched on 29 November 2025 by Second Minister for Home Affairs at the Police Community Roadshow.

3. “SaferSG, Together” is a national movement centred on strengthening community-police partnerships to enhance Singapore's safety and security. It serves as the anchor programme for the Singapore Police Force to bring all community engagement initiatives and volunteer schemes by the Police under one movement.

4. This movement mobilises the community in strengthening partnerships in four focal areas: crime prevention, scam education, road safety education, and emergency preparedness. In 2026, the SPF is organising a series of “SaferSG, Together” roadshows islandwide, and today marks the first of the seven roadshows. The roadshows aim to increase the awareness on how the community can partner the SPF in creating a “SaferSG, Together”, through three tiers of partnerships: Stay Informed, Take Part, and Step Up.

The Foundation of Community Safety

5. This community-centric approach builds upon Singapore's proven Community Watch Scheme, which has long recognised that true security emerges when citizens actively participate in safeguarding one another. The scheme transforms ordinary residents into safety and security advocates, whose vigilance extends far beyond what any single agency could achieve alone.

6. The focus for today’s SaferSG roadshow is on safety education on the roads. You will learn how you can play a role to keep our roads safe. This is critical because every day, regardless of how we travel, we share the same roads with fellow Singaporeans. We could create risks for one another, or, through applying attention and patience, help each other get home safe every day.

Road Safety Situation 2025

7. Our roads are becoming less safe. In 2025, we witnessed an increase in the total number of traffic accidents compared to 2024. The top cause of accidents is “failing to keep a proper lookout” – in other words, failure to adhere to the most basic of requirements for any road user.

8. Elderly pedestrians and motorcyclists continue to be disproportionately represented among those who were injured or killed in traffic accidents. We must strengthen our efforts to protect all road users, especially those who are most vulnerable among us. When we exercise patience with slower-moving elderly pedestrians, give motorcyclists adequate space, or take that extra moment to check our blind spots, we are actively protecting lives and demonstrating the gracious society we aspire to be. Every considerate action on the road is an act of care for our community.

From Cyclists on Watch to Road Users on Watch

9. In December 2021, we launched Cyclists on Watch under the Community Watch Scheme, recognising cyclists as vulnerable road users who would benefit from dedicated resources and community support. Over four years, this initiative has grown to 11,900 members, demonstrating the cycling community's strong commitment to road safety.

10. However, our observations revealed a fundamental truth: road safety cannot be achieved by any single group in isolation. A cyclist's safety depends on driver awareness, pedestrian predictability, and the mutual respect shared among all road users. Similarly, pedestrian safety is influenced by how cyclists navigate shared paths and how motorists approach crossings.

11. Today, I am pleased to announce the evolution of Cyclist on Watch into “Road Users on Watch”. This transformation reflects our deeper understanding that road safety is fundamentally about human interaction. When we recognise our interconnectedness on the roads, we move beyond individual responsibility towards collective vigilance.

Building a Unified Safety Community

12. Road Users on Watch operates on three key principles that will reshape Singapore's road safety culture. First, we focus on transmitting knowledge that enhances safety for each road user archetype. This involves understanding concepts like blind spots, safe following distances, and proper crossing practice so that each type of road user – whether driver, rider or pedestrian – can avoid putting themselves in harm’s way.

13. Second, we help each road user appreciate the needs of other groups of road users. Real-life scenarios and testimonials help drivers, riders, cyclists and pedestrians appreciate each other's daily challenges, fostering harmonious conditions in shared spaces and high-traffic areas.

14. Third, we drive community participation through multiple accessible entry points, from roadshows and exhibitions to road safety talks. By offering flexible learning options and practical safety tips, we transform road safety from an individual concern into a shared community value that everyone can embrace.

Fostering a Culture of Mutual Accomodation

15. These efforts towards mutual understanding will be further strengthened by the National Road Graciousness Campaign launching later this year. This collaborative initiative between Traffic Police, Land Transport Authority and community partners aims to make mutual accommodation the norm on Singapore roads.

16. The idea is to go beyond adherence to traffic rules, to focus on being considerate, such as giving way. We hope to foster a "We First" culture on the roads, where everyone recognises that care and mutual accommodation lead to accident-free and smooth roads, and smooth roads mean safe and efficient journeys.

Conclusion

17. What we launch today extends far beyond this single event. The “SaferSG, Together” roadshow will continue throughout 2026, bringing these vital conversations to every corner of Singapore, while Road Users on Watch is another important step in our journey to transform how we interact on our roads.

18. I encourage each of you to embrace this opportunity. Sign up for Road Users on Watch, participate in our educational programmes, and carry the spirit of graciousness wherever you travel. Your actions, however small, contribute to the safety of every road user in Singapore.

19. I would like to thank our community partners, and the volunteers who have made today’s event possible. Your dedication to safety education and community engagement provides the foundation upon which movements like “SaferSG, Together” can flourish.

20. Together, we can transform our roads into spaces of mutual respect and shared responsibility, where safety truly begins with each and every one of us. Together, we can build a safer and more secure Singapore.

21. Thank you very much.