Inconsiderate Drivers of the Week: Episode 44

(Photo Credit: Causeway TV)

In this episode of Inconsiderate Drivers of the Week, we feature drivers who run the red light and change lanes without checking for approaching traffic.

In this special feature, we'll be taking a look at drivers and other road users who were caught on camera for their inconsiderate and reckless actions. These road users exhibit poor etiquette, and we hope you never emulate their behaviour on the roads.

1. Silver Cab Driving Against Traffic

While on the road, it is important for us to stay alert at all times. Driving against traffic endangers our fellow motorists on the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Moreover, driving against traffic is a mistake that can be easily avoided if we decide to be just a little more vigilant.

In the video above, the camera car heads down a road when it stops in front of a silver cab that had been driving against the traffic flow. As a result, the silver cab stops as well, before reversing and driving off in the correct direction of the traffic.

2. Green Audi Runs Red Light

As road users it is absolutely essential for us to observe traffic safety rules. Not doing so is a disservice to other drivers with whom we share the roads. Traffic rules have been instated for a reason, and not respecting them could result in conflicts with our fellow drivers, or worse.

One of these rules is observing and respecting the traffic light changes. Not stopping when the traffic light turns red poses a serious danger to pedestrians. In addition, you will most definitely be issued a warning from the traffic police.

In this video, the green Audi is seen from the dashboard camera to head on down the road despite the red traffic light blinking.

3. Nissan Pickup Beats Red Light

It is useful to note that traffic rules apply all the time. Even if it's late at night, when there’s no one around, traffic rules should still be followed. We must exercise our own discipline and avoid taking too many liberties with traffic safety even at odd hours, as accidents can occur any time.

As with the earlier video, in this footage seen above the camera car is seen to stop at a red traffic light. The driver of the Nissan pickup beside the camera car decides to disregard the red light and drive forward anyway.

4. Taxi Swerves On Lane And Collides Into Motorcyclist

Not checking before swerving on the lane risks the lives of everyone around us. While on a shared public space like the roads, it is important to ensure that there is no approaching traffic before swerving. The alternative could be disastrous, as seen in the footage above.

In this video obtained by a dashboard camera, a red taxi is seen to have been tailgating the car in front of it. The driver of the taxi therefore swerves on the lane to avoid an accident. As a result, it ends up knocking into a motorcyclist that had been beside it, who is then sent skidding down the road.

5. Red Mercedes Turns Into Lane Without Checking For Oncoming Traffic

Similarly, when turning into a lane, we should not assume that the coast will always be clear. Turning without checking to see if there is approaching traffic can be catastrophic, resulting in damage to both your vehicle or others. Waiting just a little longer for a clear lane will save you from the pain of having to get repairs.

In the case of a collision indeed occurring, the onus should be on us to stop and help all the parties involved. Not doing so reflects badly on us as members of a community. If an accident has been the result of our own misdeed, it is our responsibility to ensure that all affected individuals are taken care of.

In the footage above, the camera car can be seen to head down the lane when a red Mercedes turns out into the lane without checking for oncoming traffic, causing the camera car to bump into the Mercedes. This has resulted in a fair bit of damage to the camera car, as can be seen at the end of the video.

The purpose of this compilation isn’t to shame or expose these road users, but to learn from their mistakes. In all honesty, the culture on Singapore’s roads leaves a lot to be desired. We lack basic road courtesy and we don’t mind causing inconveniences to other road users if it benefits us. We sometimes even put their lives at risks with our careless and nonchalant actions.

To improve our culture on the roads, we need to look ourselves in the mirror and learn to share our roads. Instead of treating fellow road users as competition, we need to remember that everyone else is just like us—all they want is to reach their destination safely and on time.

Read More: Inconsiderate Drivers of the Week: Episode 43

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