Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on the Number of Accidents on Expressways in the Past Five Years

Question:

Mr Liang Eng Hwa: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) in each of the last five years, what is the number of traffic accidents occurring on expressways; (b) how can the number of such traffic accidents be reduced; and (c) in the event of an accident along the expressway, how can the impact on other motorists caused by the traffic jams be minimised.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1.   The number of traffic accidents on expressways that involved injuries or deaths was 1,752 in 2018. This figure rose to 1,889 in 2019, and fell to 1,039 in 2020 and 1,155 in 2021, in line with the overall decrease in traffic during the pandemic. As economic and social activities resumed, the figure increased to 1,687 in 2022.

2.   The Traffic Police do not track traffic accidents that do not involve injuries or deaths.

3.   The vast majority of traffic accidents occurring on expressways are attributed to driving and riding behaviour. For example, failing to keep a proper lookout and failing to have proper control of the vehicle. The Traffic Police thus focuses on educating and engaging all motorists to follow traffic rules, and adopt good driving or riding practices.

4.   In the event of a traffic accident along an expressway, the Traffic Police will work with the Land Transport Authority to divert and manage traffic flow. Affected road users should follow the instructions of the officers, and use alternative roads where possible.