An 85-year-old woman received a $4,000 fine for driving without due care and attention, resulting in grievous hurt after making an illegal right turn. The accident occurred in 2024, highlighting the dangers of disregarding traffic regulations and the responsibilities of drivers.
An 85-year-old woman, Ruth Chia Soh Kim, was fined $4,000 for driving without due care and attention, resulting in grievous hurt. The incident occurred on March 3, 2024, when Chia made an illegal right turn from Nicoll Highway onto Bras Basah Road, going against the flow of traffic. The accident resulted in injuries to a pedestrian and significant disruption, leading to a legal process and a financial penalty for the driver involved.
The court heard that Chia, while driving her 90-year-old friend, Mr Lim Loo Leong, home after dinner, relied on him for directions due to her unfamiliarity with the route. At the junction of Nicoll Highway and Bras Basah Road, she made a right turn against traffic flow, after her friend allegedly confirmed it was permissible. A video from her in-vehicle camera captured the moment she asked her passenger if it was safe to turn, highlighting a crucial point of negligence that contributed to the accident and the subsequent consequences. The ensuing collision involved multiple parties, emphasizing the importance of responsible driving and awareness of road rules. Her lawyer highlighted that Chia had cooperated with the authorities after the accident and stayed at the scene. The accident underscores the responsibility drivers have to understand and follow traffic laws, regardless of any navigational assistance from passengers. The incident also highlights how important it is to make safe decisions on the road.\The accident unfolded at around 9:20 PM as Chia approached the junction. She stopped at a red light and, upon the light turning green, proceeded to turn right, a maneuver that was illegal because the road was a one-way street. The collision occurred when Chia's car spun around and hit an island at the zebra crossing, striking pedestrians. A driver going in the opposite direction from Chia, Mr Vincent Foo Ghim Huat, witnessed the accident. The passenger in the other car, Ms Kreemounwai Rawiwan, suffered significant injuries including fractured ribs and abrasions, requiring 33 days of hospitalisation leave. The prosecution sought a fine and a five-year driving disqualification, taking into consideration Chia's age and the fact that she was misinformed by her passenger, even though ultimately, the driver is held responsible for the action. The court considered the driver's age and that her passenger had given information that may have led to the accident. The sentencing reflects the balance between holding drivers accountable for their actions while accounting for mitigating factors.\In mitigation, Chia’s lawyer emphasized her cooperation with authorities. The case brings attention to the need for elderly drivers to undergo regular medical evaluations, including vision tests and checks for mental impairment, to ensure their fitness to drive, as mandated for Class 2 or Class 3 license holders over the age of 65 in Singapore. The law states that drivers over the age of 65 must undergo a medical exam every three years to be certified fit to drive. Driving without due care and attention causing grievous hurt carries potential penalties of up to $5,000 in fines, up to two years in jail, or both. This case serves as a clear reminder of the potential consequences of reckless driving and the importance of adhering to road safety regulations. The case serves as a point of reflection on the responsibility of drivers of all ages to be fully aware of traffic laws and to drive safely and to take full responsibilty for their actions. It highlights the importance of maintaining focus and adhering to all road safety regulations to prevent such incidents
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