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Take more steps to deter speedsters
Mon, Nov 10, 2008
my paper

I REFER to the commentary, "Don't let road bullies force you to speed" (my paper, Nov 7).

I share similar experiences with the writer. I have been driving for about four years, and I find that Singaporean motorists are getting worse on the roads.

It is not the case only on expressways and normal roads, but even on minor roads and in carparks.

Motorists do not only travel above the speed limit, but incidents of tailgating, high-beaming and overtaking abruptly from the left are increasing.

We are aware that the speed limit on expressways is 90kmh, but we can see many drivers going at 110kmh to 120kmh on the extreme-right lane of expressways.

Drivers of lorries, goods vehicles and large vehicles who are supposed to drive on the extreme- left lane "race" on the middle and extreme-right lanes on some occasions.

Apart from installing more speed cameras, I would like to suggest that commercial-vehicle owners install speed-limit devices in their vehicles.

More Traffic Police officers could be posted at locations where speeding is common.

Additionally, vehicle passengers can be roped in to photograph or take videos of errant drivers.

Taxi drivers also contribute to the problem.

A large number of them stop abruptly to let passengers board or alight, or to scout for potential passengers, and drive recklessly to beat the red light.

I hope that all motorists can drive with due care, respect and concern - not only for themselves, but also for their passengers and fellow road users. Together, we can reduce the number of road accidents.

I would also like to suggest to the authorities to increase the fine for those convicted of speeding and beating red lights.

This could be a stronger deterrent to potential speeding offenders.

Mr Muhammad Dzul Azhan Haji Sahban


Move to centre or left lanes on expressway after overtaking

I REFER to the commentary, "Don't let road bullies force you to speed" (my paper, Nov 7) by Ms Cheryl Lim.

She complained about having "been tailgated, 'high-beamed' and even honked at" when she travels within the speed limit "on the extreme-right lane of expressways".

Perhaps Ms Lim may have forgotten that extreme-right lanes on expressways are for overtaking vehicles.

If, after overtaking a heavy vehicle, she continues to drive at a tortoise's pace in those lanes, she effectively becomes a road hog and breaks the law.

I have come across many such drivers who hog highways and cause unnecessary traffic jams.

With more time-based ERP gantries on roads coming our way, it is such drivers that not only create stress for other drivers, but who will also hurt their pockets by making journeys longer.

Ironically, Ms Lim contended that the only reason she travels on the extreme-right lane "is that I am forced there by road hogs on the centre lane", pinpointing heavy vehicles as being among the offenders.

For Ms Lim's safety and for the sake of other drivers, I suggest that she return to the centre or left lanes after overtaking, and avoid the extreme-right lane.

Mr Joseph Choo

 


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