Question:
Mr Saktiandi Supaat: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether there has been an increase in the number of reports and enforcement actions against road rage and aggressive behaviour involving motor vehicles in the past three years, given the proliferation of dashboard evidence published online by the public; and (b) whether the Government is considering stronger measures to combat dangerous and anti-social driving behavior.
Answer:
Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:
1. The number of reports on incidents of road rage and aggressive behaviour involving motor vehicles has decreased from 48 reports in 2019 to 36 reports in 2021. This decrease could be due to multiple reasons, including lower traffic volumes during the pandemic. The number of enforcement actions has decreased as well. In 2019, the Police took action against 21 road rage incidents involving the offence of voluntarily causing harm; while in 2021, the Police took action against 11 such incidents.
2. We are of the view that the current regime sufficiently deters dangerous and anti-social driving behaviour. In 2019, we amended the Road Traffic Act and introduced stiffer penalties to strengthen deterrence against irresponsible driving behaviour. With the changes, those found guilty of Dangerous Driving now face a fine up to $5,000 or to an imprisonment term up to 12 months, or both, for a first offence. These penalties are doubled for repeat offenders. Offenders also face stiffer penalties if their driving results in hurt, grievous hurt, or death. In 2021, we further amended the Road Traffic Act such that motorists found guilty of any offence under written law in the context of road rage may also be disqualified from driving for life or any period that the courts think fit.
3. We will monitor the situation, and make further adjustments where necessary.
