Law passed to lower drink-driving limits, impose harsher penalties for dangerous driving causing grievous hurt
Last year, there was a 10-year high of 149 fatalities on Singapore's roads – almost one death every two days.
Last year, Singapore experienced a 10-year high of 149 road fatalities, with nearly one death occurring every two days. The Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill was passed in parliament on August 4, aiming to lower alcohol limits for drink-driving and impose harsher penalties for dangerous driving causing grievous hurt. The amendments include a new offence of purposeful endangerment, where a driver deliberately endangers another person's life or safety, leading to death or grievous hurt.
Under the new law, the maximum jail term for purposeful endangerment is up to 15 years, with a 10-year driving disqualification for those who cause death. The penalties for dangerous driving causing grievous hurt have also been increased, with first-time offenders facing up to seven years in jail and repeat offenders up to 13 years.
Drink-driving limits have been reduced from 35mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath to 15mcg, and from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 30mg. The higher penalties aim to deter dangerous driving and enhance enforcement by the traffic police.
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