SINGAPORE, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- Motorcyclists and pillion riders were involved in 55.2 per cent of all traffic accidents and accounted for 59.9 per cent of traffic fatalities in Singapore last year, according to statistics released by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on Friday.
Approximately 44.7 per cent of these fatalities were caused by self-skid accidents.
The number of accidents involving motorcyclists increased from 3,792 cases (2023) to 3,969 cases (2024).
Motorcyclist and pillion rider casualties rose by 4.7 per cent, from 4,303 persons (2023) to 4,507 persons (2024), while their fatalities increased by 25 per cent, from 68 persons (2023) to 85 persons (2024).
Motorcycles account for just 14.7 per cent of Singapore’s total vehicle population in 2024.
Meanwhile, jaywalking continues to be a concern, with the number of accidents involving pedestrians who jaywalked increasing by 23 per cent, from 288 cases (2023) to 353 cases (2024).
The number of casualties among pedestrians who jaywalked also increased by 26 per cent, from 283 persons (2023) to 356 persons (2024), while fatalities rose from 16 cases (2023) to 18 cases (2024).
"Elderly pedestrians (aged 65 and above) continue to be overrepresented, accounting for 38.9 per cent of the total number of fatalities involving pedestrians who jaywalked in 2024,” SPF said.
Overall, there was an increase in the total number of traffic accidents last year compared to 2023.
The number of traffic accidents resulting in fatalities rose from 131 cases (2023) to 139 cases (2024), while the number of fatalities increased from 136 persons (2023) to 142 persons (2024), marking the highest figures in the past five years.
To address the increase in number of accidents and fatalities, SPF said the Traffic Police (TP) will step up enforcement operations and penalise irresponsible road users.
Errant motorists who flout traffic rules and regulations, such as red-light running, speeding and drink-driving, may be prosecuted in court.
If grievous hurt or death is caused, they may face imprisonment and driving disqualification.
TP will also be increasing the composition fines by between S$50 and S$150, and demerit points will increase by up to six points.
"These increased penalties will take effect on Jan 1, 2026. Further details regarding these changes will be announced later this year,” SPF said. - Bernama
