Post by : Minna

Traffic accidents in Singapore have increased in the first half of 2025, with both the number of accidents and the number of casualties climbing compared to the same period in 2024. According to new data released by the Singapore Police Force, authorities recorded a significant rise in road incidents, prompting concerns over road safety and the need for stricter traffic enforcement.

Between January and June 2025, a total of 3,818 road accidents involving injuries or fatalities were reported. This represents an 8.9% increase compared to 3,507 accidents during the same period in 2024.

The number of people injured or killed in accidents also rose, reaching 4,939 casualties, up from 4,737 the previous year. Fatal accidents climbed slightly to 78, resulting in 79 deaths, compared to 70 fatal accidents and 72 deaths in the first half of 2024.

Rise in Accidents Among Elderly Pedestrians

A major concern highlighted by the report is the rise in accidents involving elderly pedestrians. There were 116 incidents involving older pedestrians during the first six months of 2025, compared to 98 incidents in the same period last year. Tragically, deaths among elderly pedestrians more than doubled, reaching 15, up from 6 in 2024.

Police noted that about 43% of these accidents were linked to jaywalking, emphasizing the importance of following traffic rules for pedestrian safety. Authorities are urging elderly citizens to be extra careful while crossing roads and to use designated crossings whenever possible.

Motorcyclists and Pillion Riders Most at Risk

Motorcyclists and their pillion riders continued to make up the largest share of traffic casualties. There were 2,088 accidents involving motorcycles in the first half of 2025, an increase from 1,907 incidents in the same period of 2024. Injuries among this group also rose to 2,323, compared to 2,164 previously.

Motorcyclists and pillion riders accounted for more than half of all traffic accidents and fatalities, although deaths among this group decreased slightly from 44 to 43. Authorities continue to stress the importance of wearing helmets, following speed limits, and obeying traffic rules to reduce the risk of accidents.

Speeding, Drink-Driving, and Red-Light Violations

Speeding remains a major concern on Singapore roads. Speeding violations increased sharply by 45.5%, from 81,141 cases in 2024 to 118,076 cases in 2025.

Drink-driving also saw an increase in arrests, with 862 cases reported, up from 818 last year. However, accidents caused by drink-driving decreased from 92 to 75, showing some improvement in awareness and law enforcement.

Red-light running violations decreased to 13,073, down from 17,508 in 2024. Despite the drop in violations, the number of accidents caused by red-light running increased slightly from 47 to 65.

Government and Police Response

In response to these trends, the Traffic Police have said they will continue to increase enforcement on roads to prevent accidents. One successful measure highlighted was the installation of speed limiters on lorries, which has helped reduce speeding violations. Vehicles equipped with speed limiters recorded almost no speeding incidents, while lorries without these devices accounted for 641 violations.

Authorities are also encouraging the public to follow traffic rules, drive safely, and report dangerous driving to help reduce accidents. Public education campaigns targeting both motorists and pedestrians are being reinforced to raise awareness of safe road behavior.

Road Safety Measures for the Future

The rise in traffic accidents highlights the need for more comprehensive safety measures, especially for elderly pedestrians and motorcyclists. Experts suggest:

• Strict enforcement of speed limits

• Increased use of speed-limiting devices on heavy vehicles

• Awareness campaigns about jaywalking risks

• Encouraging responsible driving and avoiding drink-driving

Road safety remains a shared responsibility. With increasing traffic and accidents, both drivers and pedestrians must exercise caution to prevent further injuries and fatalities.

Singapore traffic accidents, road safety, elderly pedestrian accidents