Singapore: improving the visibility of vulnerable road users

12.03.15
The FIA's Singapore Motor Sports Association launched a campaign promoting greater visibility of cyclists and the danger of vehicle blind spots.
mobility, fia grant programme, action for road safety

Due to an alarming amount of press reports and feedback from schools and fellow road users concerning the frequency of bicycle related accidents and child/vehicle injuries and deaths, the Singapore Motor Sports Association (SMSA) launched a programme aimed at raising awareness and visibility of cyclists and promoting greater knowledge of vehicle blindspots.

In tackling bicycle related accidents, the SMSA found that many of the incidents appeared to be caused by drivers not seeing bicyclists on the road. They also observed a widespread absence of bicycle light usage by cyclists. One of the primary reasons for this is that many bicyclists in Singapore are low income, short-term migrant construction workers who rely on their bicycle as their primary means of transport. Given their low wage, many of these workers do not have enough money for lights after they have payed for essentials such as food and accomodation. 

To combat this, the SMSA distributed free lights to this segment of the community. The SMSA used this opportunity to educate these road users about the importance of being visible on the roads. 

In tandem with this, the SMSA teamed up with a local road safety awareness event 'See and Be Seen 2014' to further promote and raise awareness of the bicycling safety and night visibility.

To address child/vehicle injuries and deaths, the SMSA focussed on giving road safety presentations at primary schools for children aged 6-11. The alarming number of deaths and injuries of children on Singapore's roads is largely attributable to the combination of inattentive children and distracted drivers. Figures show that between January and March 2013, there was one fatality and 45 injuries. For the same period in 2014, there has been an increase in injuries, with a total of 60. Crossings have been found to be the location the most dangerous for children.

Lively discussions and a near life size prime mover truck were used to reinforce the understanding of vehicle blind-spots and safety when crossing roads.

fia grant programme, mobility, singapore motor sports association, action for road safety

fia grant programme, mobility, singapore motor sports association, action for road safety

road safety