Fewer drink-driving accidents in Singapore in 1H 2016

Traffic police carried out enforcement operations against drink-driving on Thursday (20 October). Photo: Singapore Police Force

The number of drink-driving accidents fell in the first half of this year, Traffic Police (TP) statistics released Thursday (20 October) show.

Fatal accidents arising from drink-driving declined to three cases between January and June from eight in the same period last year. The number of fatalities was also the same as the number of such accidents over the period.

The number of drink-driving accidents that led to injuries declined to 67 from 73. But the number of people who were injured in such accidents rose to 109 from 102.

The number of people arrested for drink-driving fell to 1,042 from 1,267.

In a separate statement from the police, TP conduced island-wide operations targeting drink-driving motorists in the early hours of Thursday.

A total of 77 drivers were stopped and tested for alcohol consumption, and 15 men and three women failed the test and were arrested.

First-time offenders of drink-driving can be fined between $1,000 and $5,000 and have their driving licences disqualified for a period ranging from 12 to 48 months, depending on their breathalyser test results.

Repeat offenders face a maximum fine of $30,000 and a mandatory jail term of up to three years. They may also get up to 6 strokes of the cane should death or serious injury be caused.

Superintendent Ho Yenn Dar, Head Operations and Training Branch of Traffic Police said, “Although the number of drink-driving related accidents has decreased in the first 6 months of this year, the Police will continue to clamp down on such irresponsible road behaviour. Don’t drink and drive. Be home safely for your loved ones.”