Singapore Road Safety Awards & Seminar 2025 – Speech by Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Home Affairs

Chairman of the Singapore Road Safety Council, Mr Bernard Tay

Commander Traffic Police, SAC Daniel Tan

Distinguished guests, award recipients, ladies and gentlemen

1. It is my pleasure to join all of you today at the Singapore Road Safety Awards and Seminar 2025. This event marks a key milestone in our shared journey towards safer roads and provides a meaningful occasion to recognise those who have gone above and beyond in upholding road safety standards in their daily work.

2. Now in its second year, the Singapore Road Safety Awards and Seminar has grown significantly. I’m heartened to see over 250 attendees here today—an increase from 200 participants last year— reflecting the strong and growing interest in advancing road safety in Singapore. This event promotes excellence in fleet safety and professional driving, reflecting our shared commitment to safer roads in Singapore.

Road Safety Seminar

3. This year’s seminar features two speakers who bring both global authority and local expertise to the road safety conversation. From the international stage, we welcome Ms Aggie Krasnolucka, Programmes Director at the FIA Foundation—an influential voice in shaping global road safety strategies. Complementing this global perspective, Superintendent Lian Weixiong, Head of Research, Planning and Organisational Development Branch of Traffic Police, will share insights on Singapore’s traffic situation & TP’s efforts in enhancing road safety.

Mid-Year Traffic Situation 2025

4. In the first half of 2025, our roads have presented us with both challenges and areas for reflection. While we saw encouraging decreases in speeding-related and drink-driving accidents, the overall number of traffic accidents resulting in fatalities or injuries has increased compared to the same period last year.

5. The top causes of accidents resulting in fatalities and injuries were: failure to keep proper lookout, lack of proper control, and changing lanes without due care. These are all preventable, and point to a lack of attention and consideration on our roads. This is also reflected in the continued rise in speeding violations, despite our highly visible speed cameras and clear signage.

6. Our vulnerable road users remain particularly at risk. Motorcyclists and their pillion riders were involved in over half of all traffic accidents, including fatal accidents. Even more worrying is the increase in fatal accidents involving elderly pedestrians, who accounted for nearly 80% of all pedestrian fatalities. 43% of elderly pedestrian accidents were due to jaywalking, noticeably higher than the proportion of non-elderly pedestrian accidents due to jaywalking, at 36%. We need everyone – drivers, riders and pedestrians – to understand that each time they ignore road safety rules and guidelines, the risks they undertake multiply.

7. These statistics are not just numbers. They represent real lives affected and families impacted, sometimes irreversibly.

Strengthening Our Response

8. These concerning trends show that some motorists and pedestrians are still treating road safety rules as mere suggestions. In response, the Traffic Police has significantly stepped up enforcement efforts, with speeding violations detected increasing by 45% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. From 1 January 2026, we will implement enhanced penalties for speeding offences, with increased composition sums and demerit points to further strengthen deterrence.

9. But enforcement alone is not enough. We need industry partnership. I'm encouraged by the results from companies that have installed speed limiters in their lorries early, before the installation deadline. These forward-thinking businesses recorded near zero speeding violations by their lorries in the first half of 2025. In contrast, lorries that were required to install speed limiters but have not yet done so saw speeding violations rise from 565 in the first half of 2024 to 641 in the first half of 2025, registering a 13.5% increase.  This demonstrates that when companies invest in safety technology, it delivers tangible results, not just in compliance, but in protecting drivers and other road users, and reducing costly accidents that lead to vehicle downtime and operational disruptions. To our fleet operators here today, you have the power to make our roads safer and help your employees return home to their loved ones.

10. We are also rolling out new Traffic Violation Enforcement Cameras over the coming months. These cameras will enhance enforcement against various dangerous violations, including illegal U-turns and crossing double white lines. For instance, we are currently testing these cameras along Dunearn Road to detect double white line violations, at Bidadari Park Drive for illegal U-turns, and along Tampines Avenue 4 for travelling against the flow of traffic. Like our current enforcement cameras, they will be painted in highly visible orange and white livery.

11. These measures, together with the proactive steps taken by companies like those we commend today, demonstrate our shared commitment to making our roads safer.

Singapore Road Safety Awards

12. I would now like to highlight today’s awards. 9 companies will receive the Company Awards based on their fleet management systems, structured training programmes, and track record of minimal traffic violations. These organisations are setting benchmarks for operational discipline and safety culture, and I commend them for leading by example.

13. The Safe Driver Awards will be presented to 27 drivers based on their exemplary safety records. The winning drivers embody the vigilance and personal responsibility we must all embrace to keep our roads safe.

Singapore Road Safety Award winners

14. Let me highlight three exceptional drivers receiving the Safe Driver Excellence Award under the Public Bus category.

15. Senior Bus Captain 2 Choe Kim Tong from SBS Transit has served with distinction for over 27 years, maintaining a perfect record with zero accidents, safety-related incidents, or demerit points.

16. Senior Bus Captain 2 Chan Chee Men has dedicated 27 years to SBS Transit, upholding an impeccable safety record without any accidents or violations.

17. Chief Bus Captain Ooi Hoo Tou has served SMRT Buses for 25 years. Beyond his outstanding safety record, he exemplifies proactive leadership by continually upgrading his skills through a range of driving and safety courses. He applies this knowledge daily and actively promotes best practices among peers. Notably, he goes above and beyond by patrolling the bus interchange with a whistle to remind others of safe behaviour—a simple yet impactful initiative that reflects his commitment to creating a safe working environment.

New category for Singapore Road Safety Awards

18. This year, we proudly introduce a new award category in collaboration with the Singapore Armed Forces, recognising Military Vehicle Drivers with Class 3 and Class 4 licences. This initiative reflects our inclusive approach to road safety and acknowledges the professionalism of our national servicemen.

Conclusion

19. To all our award recipients—congratulations. Your achievements not only deserve recognition, but also serve as powerful reminders of how individual responsibility contributes to a safer and more resilient transport ecosystem.

20. Let us continue to build on this momentum. Through closer collaboration across industries and agencies, continuous education, and an unyielding focus on high safety standards, we can work together to make every journey on our roads a safe one.

21. Thank you, and once again, my heartfelt congratulations to all award winners.