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Canadians love their maple syrup and donuts, end their sentences with 'eh' and hardly care about anything else other than ice hockey. Well, this is one example that suggests that Canadians haven't really thought their road safety campaign through and were probably drinking too much beer at the time.. In their awesome world of snow and ice, (of course the occasional sunlight pours through), the Canadians have come up with an idea which surprises many but obviously not them. If I were a parent in Vancouver and were driving along a road adjacent to a school, I'd see this image of a girl 'pop up' from the road and jam the brakes. If I was travelling at 30km/h which is the speed limit along such roads, I wouldn't hit the girl, if I were travelling faster than 30km/h the girl will become an elongated mess. What you're looking at is the Preventable's (road safety campaigners) idea of a road safety feature. The funniest thing is that its accompanied by a sign that says "You're probably not expecting kids to run into the road" and the image appears to rise up from the road when the driver is about 30 metres away. I guess you can call this a clever use of paint on tarmac but I think it'll just cause more accidents than achieve its main objective of making drivers slow down because drivers will most probably being going faster than 30km/h and by the time they see the 'girl', she would have become just a long head at the edge of your bonnet. Luckily though, this will only be there for a week. Phew..

To those who kena accidents or know of people in accidents. How often was it cause by 'LOUSY' tyres? Meaning if the car had better tyres, it would had stopped in time or would not aquaplaned or swerve the car without sliding to safety?

60 accidents a day involving taxis Insurance premiums for taxis have also soared in last few years By Christopher Tan, Senior Correspondent TAXI drivers are either the most dangerous or hard-luck drivers on the road. They are behind the wheel of 3 per cent of Singapore's vehicle population but are involved in 14 per cent of the accidents. Things seem to be getting worse, with taxi companies seeing their premiums soar over the last few years, and one insurer which used to focus on cab insurance dropping out altogether. Between 2007 and last year, there were about 22,000 accidents each year involving taxis, or an average of 60 a day. It also works out to nearly one accident for every cab on the road. On average, there were 162,000 motor accidents a year over the same period, or one in every six vehicles. Taxi insurers were not available to comment, but a senior executive at leading motor insurer Chartis said: 'We do see a rising trend from accidents involving taxis.' According to the Land Transport Authority, taxis make up less than 3 per cent of the total vehicle population of 933,000. The accident situation is not unique to Singapore. A 2008 state study in Connecticut found that the taxi accident rate there was more than quadruple that of the passenger vehicle rate. Some note that taxi drivers have far greater odds of getting into collisions given the long hours they spend on the roads. And the situation may be worsening. ComfortDelGro, the largest player with around 15,500 cabs, has seen its insurance expenses rising by millions over the last few years. Last year, its taxi premiums totalled $71 million - $5 million more than in 2008, and more than double its 2004 bill of $32.4 million. In the meantime, its fleet size has hardly changed. The smaller players are seeing it too. Smart Taxis managing director Johnny Harjantho said the trend of rising premiums is 'worrying'. Owner-operators seem to be hit the hardest. One of them, 62-year-old Goh Seow Chai, has been a cabby for 40 years. 'Just three years ago, third-party coverage cost as little as $1,500,' he said. 'Now, it's around $4,000 - if you have been accident-free. If you had accidents, it can be as much as $10,000 to $13,000. 'I know drivers who had to borrow from relatives. They have no choice, they need to drive to make a living.' Third-party injury liability cover is mandatory for road users in Singapore. On average, motor premiums for other vehicles have risen by a less drastic 30 per cent since 2004. Some observers point to an explosion in the number of taxis as having created a situation of supply outstripping demand. Since the market was liberalised in 2003, the taxi population has soared by 30 per cent to around 25,000 now. Taxi ridership, on the other hand, has grown by a more modest 9 per cent. Until a recent fare increase bolstered their take-home pay, cabbies were clocking longer hours and literally racing one another for fares, observers said. 'Some drivers tend to be reckless, and stop or swerve suddenly to pick up fares,' said General Insurance Association (GIA) president Derek Teo. 'I have personally encountered this.' So have other motorists. In January, lawyer Ye Su Jin, 37, was driving on the Pan-Island Expressway to work one morning when a cab 'cut into my lane, almost hitting me'. Then he 'jammed (on the) brakes suddenly'; and Ms Ye's car rear-ended the cab. After the incident, she did some checks and found that the cabby had been involved in five accidents in the past two years. In April, her insurer received a letter from a law firm acting for the cabby claiming for more than $8,000 in damages, including medical expenses. The case is pending. Company director Guo Yanhuai, 46, recalled making a turn at a yellow box junction some time in 2006, when a taxi collided with his car at fairly high speed. Last year, the cabby sued, and Mr Guo's insurer paid out nearly $35,000. It paid another $11,000 for Mr Guo's damages. Mr Guo's car insurance premium has not soared, a sign that the insurer did not deem him to be more than 20 per cent at fault. Mr Teo of the GIA said cabbies could actually be competent drivers given their vast experience on the road. 'It all boils down to education to inculcate good driving habits and road safety, plus practising road courtesy and consideration for other road users,' he said. [email protected]

A POLICE CAR was badly smashed at SENGKANG EAST WAY TRAFFIC JUNCTION abt 2 wk ago. This afternnon abt 1 plus, another POLICE CAR was again involved in an accident at a TRAFFIC JUNCTION along HOUGANG AVE 2 near HG SPORT COMPLEX.

What a day! Everywhere I drove, there's an accidents! ECP 3 lanes blocked at Rochor, SLE before Upp Thomson exit mutiple car accident, BKE-SLE (From JB) exit, BKE-KJE exit and many others!!

Just drove pass 4 accidents this evening along PIE, near Adam Road. Two accidents on either side of PIE. Pls avoid the area. Don't think there's any major injuries from what i see. Now in the mid-autumn festival which is a time for family bonding/gathering. , everyone pls drive with extra care, especially in this wet weather.

Saw TPs sign at roadside stating date and time of accidents that happen at the point of road. Wondering if it is effective?

Everyone loves a good accident. Notice how the expressway crawls when an accident occurs, even if its on the opposite direction? Well. To all our fans, here are some accidents that you can stare at without causing a jam. http://www.ebaumsworld.com/pictures/view/80690909/

Extracted from The Law Society of Singapore. With a few addendums. * It is probably helpful to take pictures or video recordings of all the parties involved. There is a tendency for "victims" to claim exorbitant amounts for "personal injury". * A sample of a private settlement form from NTUC can be found here. * The Barometer of Liability Chart from GIA can be found here thanks to scenic98. Introduction As of 1 June 2008, the Motor Claims Framework (

This afternoon while returning from Cameron Highlands to SG, along a 1KM stretch of road at SEREMBAN, we saw no less than 10 cars smashed in different ways and laying by both sides of the highway, at different spots, causing massive jams. One of them was a SG car. Realized it was after a raining session, as the roads were still quite wet. The scene triggered our memory. Wifey was tearing while recounting her own experience as we drove pass the incident sites. Some of the smashed cars looked like ours here, aqua/hydroplaned: http://www.mycarforum.com/index.php?showto...roplaning\ We have since spoken to people and heard many horror possibilities that makes SEREMBAN such a hotspot.

at 5am in the morning, was heading down JTH road. Travelling at 70-80. This lorry just came up from behind me and sped past. At least going 100kmh. And there was a truckload of workers inside..

Just got back from driving amidst the heavy downpour and saw one accident... Part ranting and part sharing my views. The number 1 reason for having more accidents on the road during rainy days is... 1) Having crappy tires... It never ceased to amaze me why people are still underestimating the need to have good tires... the only contact points you have between your $30k to $100k car and the road, yet a lot of people look for "cheap and good" tires or quiet tires, thinking that they don't speed or race hence comfort is more important or price is more important. Only some ask for good dry and wet grip as first priority. Having a performance or UP tires does not mean you are a racer or likes to speed... it just means you have a good head and knows what is important. Travelling at 40kph with crap tires is still asking for it. In my book, there is no such thing as "cheap and good" tires... It may be cheap and good up to 1000km, 5000km, etc., but never the life of driving it. Another aspect of tires is trying to see how long they can last? Seriously folks... you should change every 20,000km or so. The idea is not to stretch you dollars, but to stretch your lives. How many times do people say they want to modify their cars to go faster vs. to stop better or have better grip? The number 2 reason is... 2) The Keep Left Unless Overtaking sign is not in neon... but then again, most people do not understand English anyway. The scenario... car driving at 90 on Lane 1... sudden downpour... because it is raining and driver learn from his/her driving theory/crap instructors/crap driver friends to drive carefully when the road is wet, he/she continues on Lane 1 but dropped to 60 or 70kph... since he/she is within speed limit he/she continues on Lane 1 (another other excuse is that Lane 2 also crowded)... car behind with the crappy tires didn't realise till too late (oblivious? tires too quiet?)... accident... If you want to drop to 60 or 70kph when it rains, signal and join the queue in Lane 2! The 3 most common reason is... 3) Cab drivers with crappy tires and dropping to 60 on Lane 1.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tULMTKrkhiw...ead.php?t=17989

ASIAONE / MOTORING / NEWS / STORY Wed, Dec 10, 2008 The Star Folk fear angry deity may be cause of accidents Some Chinese believe that accidents on the North-South Expressway near Tangkak are due to an angry Datok Kong (Grandfather Deity) in the area, reports China Press. Residents believe the deity is a guardian of a hill or an area and they would hold prayers for protection. The daily reported that the stretch of the highway was prone to accidents and several would occur each year. The latest involved a bus heading towards Johor Baru and Singapore from Perak on Sunday which killed 10 people. Earlier this year, two separate accidents killed seven people along the stretch. A trader, known only as Chan, told the daily that nearby residents believed that the area was guided by the three Datok Kong before the highway was built. But no prayers were held to appease the deities when the highway was constructed. "We believe this had angered Datok Kong who will 'catch' some people every year," he said. He added that locals believe that the stretch is 'dirty' and would take extra precaution when driving. "According to some Malays, the area was previously a Malay cemetery and not enough prayers were held before construction work started," he said.

both accident happens yesterday (28th Aug 08) morning along Hougang Central. Took the video for the 1st one around 8.15am, between Honda City from Hougang Polyclinic towards Hougang Bus Interchange & Honda Jazz coming out from between Blk 834 & 835 turning right. Below is the snap shot from the video. here is video -

Too many, way too many. This morning ... those going to Tuas or PIE via KJE should know. A white EVO (If i'm not wrong) totalled and caused unnesscary jam early in the morning. When will those jokers learn? Good cars becomes "bad name". True blue drivers of performance car becomes target of 'bengish' remarks. Good roads becomes rough due to uneven patches here and there. Garment to spent $$$ to touch up accident areas and off goes our tax $$$$. And we are all late for work somehow or rather.

ST 26/5/08 FROM Sunday, motorists must report all accidents - no matter how minor - to their respective insurers within 24hours or part of their no-claims discount (NCD) will be docked. Worse, their insurers might not cover them if a claim is filed against them. This tough stance is the latest attempt by the insurance industry to curb runaway claims, which drove motor underwriting losses to a five-year high of $103.2 million last year. The picture continues to look bleak this year: In the first quarter, motor-underwriting losses hit $35.3 million - nearly treble that for the same period last year. Insurers reckon inflated claims are a major cause. These claims are often filed well after an accident. Although it has long been a legal requirement to report all accidents, this is the first time insurers are insisting on a 24-hour timeframe so 'fresh information' is at hand. Insurers also believe people are less likely to lie or have less chance to collaborate with workshops to submit inflated claims within the first 24hours of an accident. In announcing the new step, the General Insurance Association (GIA) - which represents about 30 motor insurers here - said on Monday that car owners will lose 10 percentage points of their NCD if they do not comply. NCDs are given annually to motorists who have not made accident claims, up to a maximum of 50 per cent of their annual premium. So a motorist who pays a premium of $500 after a 50 per cent NCD and does not report an accident to his insurer within 24hours would have to pay $600 the next time he renews his policy. Motorists with no NCD will not suffer this penalty, but the GIA warned that those who do not comply with the new rule are in breach of policy terms and an insurer would have the right to refuse their claims.

1st accident along AYE towards ECP just after Alexandra exit this morning around 6.45am...Cement truck flipped on its side blocking lanes 2 and 3. Apparently when it flipped, it hit a 40 seater school bus on its left rear...almost 1/3 of the top structure/left rear of the bus was crushed. Luckily the bus was empty if not..... 2nd accident along the nice sweeping S curve behind the Subordinate courts around 7.05am... Honda EuroR lost control along the S curve and crashed into the barriers along the left curb... Front left axle broke

just wondering if any of you noticed the increasing number of road accidents lately, especially after the increase profile of F1 in Singapore leading up to the night race in sept. do you think there a co-relation or singaporeans have always been speedsters? i've come across more tailgaters(slipstream), aggressive overtakers(late braking), and high speed cornering(apex driving) cars these days then say just 2 years ago. what do you guys think?

2 accidents in 4 hours at the junction of JW Ave 4 and JW St 64/ St 75 again!!! 1st: one mini bus and a van at around 8am. 2nd: one black picanto and a maroon 'aunty' sunny at around 12pm. many accident lately... drive with care.

have compiled something, hope it would be useful for all drivers (esp newbies) here...pls feel free to comment or add on.. Accident (assuming is opposite party

This peekture will self destruct by 5pm

SINGAPORE: The Angsana tree in the middle of Braddell Road will be removed after all. The tree had been preserved during road works in 2005, at a cost of S$200,000. A three-lane road had to be split to accommodate the tree. But the Land Transport Authority (LTA) says the tree has to go, as a safety measure. Despite precautionary measures such as additional road markings and safety signs, many motorists still run the risk of collision as they ignore the 40km/h speed limit. Many have also been unable to keep to their lanes. The LTA adds that it had received reports of 'near accident' situations along this stretch. So the LTA and the National Parks Board have decided it would be prudent to remove the tree. To facilitate the removal, there will be lane closures along Braddell Road from 15 July until 7 August 2007. - CNA/yy http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin.../287601/1/.html i had drove past this road a few times and hd no problem with it. anyone with near accidents experience?

Hi, With so many high profile road accidents happening on Singapore roads lately, I cannot help but seem to agree with the recent survey that Singapore roads has one of the worst safety records among developed countries. Care to share what are some causes or observable traits among Singaporean drivers that could be attributable to the high accident fatalities or accidents on our roads? Here are a few personal observations to get going: 1) Simply careless drivers who are heavy on the paddle 2) Agressive driver with offensive driving tendencies 3) Young drivers who seem to have little regard or appreciation of safety or limits of car (don't mean to generalise here but insurance premiums seem to back up statistical claims) 4) Taxi drivers who seem to be more keen on making money with little regard for safety when they do sudden braking to stop just to pick up passengers anywhere along any roads -often at the peril of drivers who are behind them. 5) Pressures and pace of life here in Singapore that makes people not only walk fastest but also tend to drive fast too. Any others for the sake of spreading safe driving message? Rgds, GigaCrusher

- from ASIAONE If no injury is involved, cases will not go directly to court but be handled by resolution centre FROM next year, non-injury motor accident claims below $1,000 will not go straight to the courts, but instead be handled by the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (Fidrec). The resolution centre was set up in 2005 as an independent avenue for consumers to settle disputes with financial institutions such as insurers, banks and brokers in an affordable manner. The change is among a series of reforms announced in the Subordinate Courts Workplan by Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong yesterday. Procedures at the Small Claims Tribunal will also be simplified. The tribunal will be able to enforce its orders on claims under $20,000. At present, enforcement can be ordered only by a separate court. The tribunal will also closely track complex claims above $200,000 to allow speedier resolution. For example, a justice officer will be assigned to a case early on, so he is familiar with the issues in the dispute. If the need arises, a specialist judge with a professional background in fields such as engineering or construction could be appointed to preside over the hearing. The changes to the civil courts announced yesterday are aimed at reducing costs and time for litigants. The decision to divert non-injury accident claims to Fidrec will alone shave an estimated 1,000 cases off the courts' workload. One in about four minor claims in the Subordinate Courts is a non-injury accident claim. Last year, there were 1,176 such cases, about 98 a month. The decision to move these claims to Fidrec was made after consultation with various organisations, including the General Insurance Association of Singapore (GIA) and the Law Society. Details of the new scheme are still being worked out, but it is certain that motorists involved in such claims will appear in person before Fidrec's panel of adjudicators, made up of former judges, senior lawyers and bankers. No lawyers will be present. However, if the motorist is unhappy with a decision, he is still allowed to pursue other legal avenues. The CJ said he does not expect people to attempt to bypass Fidrec by exaggerating their claim beyond $1,000, because taking cases directly to court will prove a lot more costly for them. But he said the $1,000 ceiling could be changed in the future. 'We will adjust the limit if necessary, as we acquire experience in operating this scheme,' he said. When contacted, Fidrec and the GIA welcomed the change. Fidrec's chairman, retired High Court judge Goh Joon Seng, said: 'We will do our best to live up to this trust...We will assess the additional resources required in connection with the expected increase in our caseload.' GIA executive director Mark Lim said the association and the courts will work closely to 'refine this scheme'. 'We believe as the financial industry's dispute resolution body, Fidrec can play a significant role in helping to resolve these motor accident disputes expeditiously and at an affordable cost to the consumer,' he said.