Drink-driving decreases in Singapore

Singapore has stepped up its roadblocks and patrols in more than five broad areas throughout the country. These include public entertainment venues, and densely-populated urban areas, as police send a strong warning to anyone considering drinking before they drive.

These efforts have had a positive effect, as the number of accidents attributed to drink-driving decreased during the first nine months of this year.

There were 70 drink-driving accidents from January to September this year, compared to 111 during the same period in 2016. The number of injuries or deaths associated with drink-driving also decreased during this period, falling from 165 in 2016, to 96 this year.

This recent data reinforces the trend in declining drink-driving incidents since 2014. During that year, non-fatal and fatal drink-driving accidents totalled 184, compared to 138 incidents in 2015, and 147 incidents in 2016. Injuries and deaths in those accidents totalled 264 in 2014, compared to 179 in 2015, and 211 in 2016.

Fines for first-time drink-driving offenders range from SGD $1,000 (£557) to SGD $5,000 (£2,785). Offenders may have their driving licences revoked for 12 to 48 months, depending on readings on a Breath Evidential Analyser.

Those repeatedly convicted of drink-driving may receive a fine of up to SGD $30,000 (£16,710), or a jail sentence of up to 36 months. If the accident has resulted in serious injuries or deaths, offenders may also be punished with up to six cane strokes.