Road accidents, casualties rise in first half of 2026

In the first half of 2026, road accidents and casualties in Singapore increased compared to the same period in 2025, according to the police's mid-year traffic report. The number of traffic accidents resulting in injuries or deaths rose by 2.7 percent to 3,929, up from 3,826 in the first six months of 2025. The total number of road casualties climbed by 3.6 percent from 4,973 to 5,151.

Fatal accidents and deaths decreased by 22.8 percent, with only 60 such incidents reported in the first half of 2026, down from 78 in the corresponding period of 2025. However, the police emphasized that the overall traffic situation remains concerning, as the longer-term trend is still worrying.

Elderly pedestrians, motorcyclists, and pillion riders continue to be the most vulnerable road user groups. Accidents involving elderly pedestrians and motorcyclists increased by 19 percent and 4.3 percent, respectively, in the first half of 2026. The police noted that these groups also remain over-represented in traffic deaths.

The number of injured elderly pedestrians rose by almost 25 percent, with 132 cases reported compared to 106 in the same period last year. Of these cases, 38.9 percent involved unsafe pedestrian behavior such as jaywalking and crossing outside designated pedestrian crossings.

Motorcyclists and pillion riders were involved in 55.6 percent of all road accidents from January to June 2026, and they accounted for 45.9 percent of all road deaths. The top three causes of accidents involving motorcyclists were failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to have proper control, and failing to exercise due care when changing lanes. The police urged motorcyclists to wear protective gear, adopt safe riding habits, and comply with traffic rules.

Speeding violations also increased by 6.1 percent, with 126,976 violations recorded in the first half of 2026, up from 118,105 in the same period last year. Red-light running violations declined by 31.7 percent, and accidents involving such violations also fell from 106 to 102, with only two of those being fatal. The number of people arrested for drink-driving rose by one to 888, but drink-driving accidents and related fatalities decreased by 8.1 percent and one, respectively.

The police are trialling average speed enforcement on Singapore's expressways, including the Bukit Timah Expressway, to curb speeding and errant road behavior.