Heavy vehicles involved in fewer fatal accidents in first half of year
Heavy vehicles still a concern for police as their size can cause more damage
Heavy vehicles were involved in fewer fatal accidents in the first half of this year compared with the same period last year, according to Traffic Police statistics released yesterday.
In the first half of this year, there were 10 fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles - half the number in the same period last year.
The number of heavy vehicle accidents that led to injuries also saw a dip, from 377 to 361 in the first half of the year.
But accidents that involve heavy vehicles remain a concern for the police as they can cause greater damage and loss of life because of the vehicles' size, said Superintendent John Chan, deputy commanding officer of the Traffic Police Patrol Unit.
In the first half of this year, nearly two in 10 fatal accidents involved heavy vehicles, according to the police.
Yesterday, The Straits Times followed the Traffic Police on an enforcement operation.
Within two hours, the nine officers involved issued 60 summonses against heavy vehicle drivers for various offences, including speeding and failing to keep left on expressways.
Summonses were issued to 76 drivers by the end of the day-long operation.
During the operation, ST followed two officers, who patrolled East Coast Parkway and Changi Coast Road, where they stopped six drivers who were flouting the law.
These included two tipper truck drivers, who were stopped on Changi Coast Road for not wearing seat belts - an offence that carries a $120 fine and three demerit points.
In the same area, another tipper truck driver was stopped for using a mobile phone while driving.
Heavy vehicle drivers caught committing this offence can be fined $230 and receive 12 demerit points.
Supt Chan said the Traffic Police adopt a tough enforcement stance against errant heavy vehicle drivers to curb dangerous driving.
He urged heavy vehicle drivers to practise good road sense and remain vigilant on the roads.
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