Biker Sent flying through air

Guy Combing hair

If you drink, don't drive !

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/man-20-arrested-for-drink-driving-after-car-flips-onto-side-in-bras-basah

Penalties for drink driving :

https://singaporelegaladvice.com/law-articles/dui-penalties-drink-driving-singapore/

Reckless e scooter

Is Your E-Scooter/PMD LTA-Approved?

Before you use your e-scooter/PMD, check that it is of a model approved by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Your e-scooter/PMD must have a:

• Maximum width of 70 cm
• Maximum weight of 20 kg; and
• Maximum speed of 25 km/h

While businesses operating in Singapore are obliged under the AMA to only sell approved e-scooters and other PMDs, you should still check that your e-scooter/PMD is LTA-approved by yourself. This is especially if you bought your e-scooter secondhand.

If you use a non-LTA approved e-scooter/PMD, you can be fined up to $5,000 and/or jailed up to 3 months. Penalties may be doubled for repeat offenders. Your e-scooter/PMD can also be seized and later forfeited.

These penalties also apply if your e-scooter/PMD was initially LTA-approved but later modified so as to become non-LTA approved.

(From January 2019) Have You Registered Your E-Scooter?

Starting from January 2019, it will be compulsory for you to register your e-scooter with the LTA. This registration requirement does not apply to other PMDs such as electric hoverboards.

You will have to provide your personal particulars, which will be stored in a register, and declare that your e-scooter is compliant with the restrictions set by the LTA.

Upon registration, you will be issued with a registration mark with a unique registration number assigned to the e-scooter. You will have to paste an identification sticker of this registration mark prominently onto your e-scooter.

(From January 2021) Does Your E-Scooter/PMD Comply with the UL2272 Fire Safety Standard?

From January 2021 onwards, all PMDs (including e-scooters) intended for use on public paths (more on public paths below) must comply with the UL2272 fire safety standard.

Before then, existing owners of motorised PMDs that are not UL2272-compliant can continue to use their devices until the end of 2020. However, from January 2021 onwards, the use of motorised PMDs that are not UL2272-compliant will be illegal.

Retailers will be banned from selling PMDs which do not comply with the UL2272 standard from July 2019 onwards. But to be doubly sure, you may want to still ask the retailer whether a particular PMD you’re eyeing is UL2272-compliant before buying it.

On Which Paths Can You Ride Your E-Scooter/PMD?

Under the AMA, e-scooters/PMDs can only be used on footpaths and shared paths (shared paths are also known as cycling paths). E-scooters/PMDs must not be used on roads or on pedestrian-only paths.

It will usually be clear whether you are on a road: if it has cars and/or has traffic lights then you should not use your e-scooter/PMD there. Roads in SAF camps are included too. So if you happen to be an NSF or SAF regular, you cannot use your e-scooter/PMD to get around camp using in-camp roads.

However, how do you distinguish between pedestrian-only paths, shared paths and footpaths?

What is a pedestrian-only path?

Pedestrian-only paths are only for pedestrians to use (e.g. walking, jogging or running). E-scooter/PMD riders are not allowed on pedestrian-only paths.

If the public path you are on has “Dismount and Push” signs, you are likely to be on a pedestrian-only path:

What is a shared path?

Also known as cycling paths, shared paths are marked by shared path signs and are for pedestrians, e-scooter/PMD riders and cyclists to use.

This is an example of a shared path sign:

What is a footpath?

Footpaths are public paths that are not pedestrian-only paths, shared paths or roads. However, they do not come with specific signs, “cycle lanes” or floor markings. Like shared paths, footpaths can be used by pedestrians, e-scooter/PMD riders and cyclists too.

Penalties

E-scooter/PMD riders who use their e-scooters/PMDs on a pedestrian-only path can be fined up to $1,000 and/or jailed up to 3 months. Penalties may be doubled for repeat offenders.

For those who use their e-scooters/PMDs on the road, the penalties are even steeper: first-time offenders can be fined up to $2,000 and/or jailed up to 3 months. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $5,000 and/or jailed up to 6 months.

In both cases, your e-scooter/PMD can also be seized and later forfeited.

Exceptions

There are exceptions to these rules preventing e-scooter/PMD riders from using pedestrian-only paths or roads, but in only 2 situations:

1. If you are crossing the pedestrian-only path or road by the shortest safe route; or
2. The footpath/shared path you were on is blocked (e.g. a tree fell) and you need to use the pedestrian-only path or road to avoid the obstruction

In either case, take note that you must not stay on the pedestrian-only path or road for longer than is necessary. This means you cannot take advantage of the situation and ride on a pedestrian-only path or road for any substantial distance.

What is the Maximum Speed Limit You Can Travel At?

You are advised to avoid speeding as the likelihood of you getting into an accident is higher. The current speed limits for e-scooter/PMD riders on footpaths and shared paths are:

Footpaths	15 km/h
Shared paths	25 km/h

Note: From early 2019, the speed limit for the use of motorised personal mobility aids (such as motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters) on all paths (i.e. pedestrian-only paths, footpaths and shared paths) will be reduced from 15 km/h to 10 km/h. E-scooters and other PMDs are not affected by this rule as such motorised personal mobility aids are not considered PMDs.

Penalties for speeding

E-scooter/PMD riders caught speeding can be fined up to $1,000 and/or jailed up to 3 months. Penalties may be doubled for repeat offenders. Your e-scooter can also be seized and later forfeited.

Similarly, e-scooter/PMD riders who ride dangerously can be fined up to $5,000 and/or jailed up to 6 months. What counts as “dangerous” will depend on the situation, but the LTA has released a Code of Conduct to provide guidance on how e-scooter/PMD riders can ride responsibly. As the information in the Code of Conduct is relatively brief, e-scooter/PMD users may find it helpful to refer to the LTA’s Guide to Intra-Town Cycling.

While some aspects of their advice would only apply to cyclists, other aspects like giving way to pedestrians where appropriate would apply to e-scooter/PMD riders too.

(From Early 2019) “Stop and Look Out” for Vehicles at Road Crossings

From early 2019, e-scooter/PMD riders must “stop and look out” for vehicles at road crossings before continuing with their journeys.

This is to give riders and motorists more reaction time and so reduce the risk of accidents.

Must E-Scooter/PMD Riders Wear Helmets?

The Ministry of Transport intends to make it compulsory for cyclists (including e-bike riders) to wear helmets when riding on roads from early 2019. This is unless they are crossing the road as part of their journey on footpaths or shared paths.

This helmet rule will not apply to riders of e-scooters and other PMDs, as these devices are not allowed to be used on roads in the first place.

In other words, it is not compulsory for e-scooter/PMD riders to wear helmets. However, riders of such devices are still “strongly encouraged” to do so.

Can You Bring Your E-Scooter/PMD onto Public Transport? Or into Shopping Centres?

Public transport

E-scooters/PMDs are allowed on public buses and trains at any time of the day as long as they are kept folded at all times. They must also be pushed or carried instead of being ridden on.

Your e-scooter/PMD must be smaller than 120 cm by 70 cm by 40 cm when folded to qualify, and any protruding parts (like handles) must be retracted. There are often size checkers in MRT stations which you can check your e-scooter/PMD’s dimensions against.

E-scooters/PMDs which are wet or dirty must also be wrapped up before being brought onto public transport.

If in doubt, check with the bus driver or train staff on whether your e-scooter/PMD can be brought on-board the bus or train.

Shopping centres

Shopping centres are generally privately-owned spaces so the management of each individual shopping centre has the discretion to decide what can or cannot be brought into their premises.

While there is no uniform rule in place, it may be suggested that pushing a clean, folded e-scooter/PMD through a shopping centre as a shortcut is generally permissible. However, you should try to avoid riding your e-scooter/PMD within a shopping centre, or bring it with you for a long day of shopping in a crowded location.

Must You Buy E-Scooter/PMD Insurance?

It is not compulsory for e-scooter/PMD riders to buy third-party liability insurance. However, the Ministry of Transport strongly encourages riders to take up such insurance policies.

Enforcement of E-Scooter/PMD Offences Under the Active Mobility Act

E-scooter/PMD offences under the AMA are enforced by police officers, auxiliary police officers, other suitable trained public servants (such as LTA officers) as well as volunteer public path wardens. They can, for example:

• Check your e-scooter/PMD to see if it is LTA-approved
• Stop you from riding your e-scooter/PMD on public paths which you are not allowed to be on
• Stop you from riding a banned e-scooter/PMD on approved public paths (even if it is LTA-approved)
• Seize your e-scooter/PMD if they have reason to believe you have committed an offence

Before exercising their powers, authorised officials are required to show you their identity card to prove that they are authorised to do so. You are encouraged to co-operate with them.

—

E-scooters and other PMDs can be useful, viable options for last-mile transportation to and from MRT stations and bus stops, as well as a good way to carry out simple errands around your neighbourhood without having to use a car or public transport. However, riders of e-scooters and PMDs should know their rights and obligations under the AMA to avoid being fined, jailed or even having their e-scooters/PMDs seized.

If you are in the unfortunate position of being charged with committing an offence under the AMA, you may find it helpful to consult with a criminal defence lawyer.

If you drink, don't drive !!

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/jail-ban-for-drink-driving-man-involved-in-fatal-crash

In an unusual move, prosecutors had to engage an expert to estimate the alcohol content a motorist had in his breath when his car ploughed into a 61-year-old rag-and-bone collector, killing her.

Although Tibrewal Sunil Kumar, 48, initially failed a breathalyser test when the police tested him at the scene of the accident on Feb 20, 2016, a second analysis found that he had 32 microgrammes of alcohol in every 100ml of breath - three microgrammes under the limit.

It emerged in court that it was two hours and 40 minutes following the accident that the second test was administered at the Traffic Police headquarters in Ubi Avenue 3, after the Indian national was arrested. Court documents did not state the reason for the delay.

About five months after he was charged in November 2016, the prosecution team engaged Dr Yao Yi Ju, divisional director of the Analytical Toxicology Division of the Health Sciences Authority.

She estimated that Tibrewal, a Singapore permanent resident, had between 42 and 58 microgrammes of alcohol in every 100ml of breath at the time of the accident.

Tibrewal was yesterday sentenced to 10 months' jail and disqualified from driving all classes of vehicles for eight years, for causing the death of Madam Tan Powi Kim, by committing a rash act.

One count each of drink driving and causing grievous hurt to her husband, Mr Cheng Kiat Yan, 69, by committing a rash act, were considered during sentencing.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Li Yihong said the accident happened after a drinking session that lasted about nine hours.

Tibrewal had left Orchard Towers with a colleague at around 6.20am and was driving his black BMW along Collyer Quay towards Esplanade Drive about 40 minutes later when he started feeling sleepy.

Tibrewal, then vice-president of a firm here dealing with shipping vessels, was negotiating a bend when he took his eyes off the road and removed one hand from the steering wheel to wake his colleague.

As a result of this rash act, his car swerved towards the extreme left lane of the four-lane road and hit Madam Tan, who was standing at the rear of her stationary lorry. She was flung onto the roof of the car before landing on its bonnet, while her husband fell onto the road.

Madam Tan was pronounced dead in hospital about an hour later. Mr Cheng's injuries included a fracture in his left knee.

Tibrewal is appealing the sentence.

Reckless E Scooter

LTA new rules for e-scooters, e-bikes, bicycles & PMDs

So, the question on everyone’s lips is: what can you get fined for? A whole lot, as it turns out. Here’s a long list of offences and fines.

Offence	Penalty (new offender)	Penalty (repeat offender)
Riding power-assisted bicycle on footpaths	$1,000 fine / 3 month jail term / both	$2,000 fine / 6 month jail term / both
Riding PMD (eg. kick scooter, e-scooter, hoverboard, unicycle) on roads	$2,000 fine / 3 month jail term / both	$5,000 fine / 6 month ail term
Speeding (>15km/h on footpaths or >25km/h on shared paths and cycling paths)	$1,000 fine / 3 months’ jail / both	$2,000 fine / 6 month jail term / both
Not stopping to help accident victims when you are involved	$3,000 fine / one year’s jail / both	$5,000 fine / two years’ jail / both
Using non-compliant devices (>20kg weight, >70cm wide, or >25km/h speed)	$5,000 fine / 3 month jail term / both	$10,000 fine / 6 month jail term / both
Dangerous riding of bicycles, PMDs, and personal mobility aids	$5,000 fine / 6 month jail term / both
Not following traffic signs when cycling on road (Note: PMDs are not allowed on the roads)	$1000 fine / 3 months jail / both	$2000 fine / 6 months jail / both
Not cycling in same direction as flow of traffic (Note: PMDs are not allowed on the roads)	$1000 fine / 3 months jail / both	$2000 fine / 6 months jail / both
Not switching on front white lights and rear red lights when cycling in the dark	$1000 fine / 3 months jail / both	$2000 fine / 6 months jail / both
Not cycling in single file on single-lane roads and during bus lane operational hours (Note: PMDs are not allowed on the roads)	$1000 fine / 3 months jail / both	$2000 fine / 6 months jail / both
Obstructing enforcement officers	$5,000 fine / 1 year jail term / both
Providing false information to enforcement officers	$5,000 fine / 1 year jail term / both
Impersonating enforcement officers	$2,500 fine / 6 month jail term / both

Student Dashing across road : Road Safety Rules

Young children should be taught the habit of raising one arm when crossing the road, which will increase their visibility to motorists.

Here are key rules that your little ones should know.

1. Hold an adult’s hand before crossing
Young children under the age of 6 should always be holding the hand of an adult before crossing the road, since kids are sometimes too small for drivers to notice.

2. Know their traffic lights
As soon as your tot learns to recognise and name colours, make an effort to point out to him that “Green means ‘go’” and “Red means ‘stop’” for the vehicles.

Stress that that when the green “walking man” symbol is lit, this indicates that it’s okay to cross, but once it starts blinking, he’ll need to wait on the footpath. The red “standing man” means that the cars are moving on the road, and he mustn’t cross.

3. Use footpaths and other road safety features
Remind junior not to veer onto the road, no matter how much more convenient it seems, even though it’s tempting to take a shorter route instead of staying on the footpath.

Tell him to always take these safer options when possible ― then point out road safety features like overhead bridges, underpasses and zebra crossings.

4. Stop and look before crossing
Your little one needs to learn the importance of stopping and looking before crossing the road as there could be oncoming traffic. The distance doesn’t matter ― whether it’s the small street your child has to cross after the school bus drops him off, or that short walk back from the neighbourhood park. He needs to first look to the left, then to the right, and to the left again. If there are no oncoming cars, it’s safe to cross.

Young children should be taught the habit of raising one arm when crossing the road, which will increase their visibility to motorists. At night, it’s also a good idea to wear light, or brightly coloured clothes.

Since some drivers are inattentive, always wait for the car to stop before taking that first step onto the road, even at pedestrian crossings.

5. Listen to sounds
Teach your tot to listen out for car horns and engine sounds. Do a little fun activity ― get your child to listen as a car approaches. Does the engine sound get louder or softer? Explain that loud noises mean that the car is nearby, while a faint sound means that the car is further away.

6. Know where they absolutely shouldn’t cross
There are key areas on the road where kids (and adults!) should avoid crossing at all costs.

Crossing at road bends are a big no-no because you can’t see oncoming vehicles, and they can’t see you. Tell them they should also never cross between stationary vehicles, as they can move forward or backward and run you over.

They should also never cross between stationary vehicles, as they can move forward or backward and run you over.

7. Practise safety in moving vehicles
Road safety isn’t just for pedestrians, it’s for kids who are passengers in cars, taxis, or even buses.

Make sure your family car has an appropriate child-restraint, and check that everything is safe. In the train or bus, make sure that your child knows that he should either be seated, or holding on to a handrail. Your child is at greater risk than you of getting hurt if the vehicle swerves or brakes suddenly because they are lighter and, hence, more likely to fall. 

8. Be safe when getting off the vehicle
Junior’s attention tends to wander when he gets off a vehicle. For example, if he sees you standing on the footpath, he might rush down to get to you and risks tripping. Tell him to always make sure that the vehicle has come to a complete stop before alighting. 

9. Don’t multitask
To ensure that your peewee has his full attention on the road safety rules, don’t let him read books, play with toys, or hold the iPad when he’s walking along the footpath or crossing the road. Always bring his attention to the traffic around him, and talk him through the rules. 

10. Set an example
This last rule is for parents. If you’re encouraging junior to take the overhead bridge, refrain from jaywalking or using the iPad when crossing the road, then show them the right way as you’re your child’s best role model.

Be punctual. Most accidents happen when you’re in a rush , such as when you’re trying to dash across the road before the red man turns green in your favour, for instance. This shows junior that he can do something similar under certain circumstances, so he may be tempted to likewise in the future.

Finally, always keep an eye on your mini-me when there’s a road nearby. Excitable tots who can’t wait to explore their surroundings are masters at suddenly breaking free from their parents. Tell him to keep such moments for parks and gardens where he’ll have a lots of open spaces to scoot around, but definitely not near high-traffic areas.