What can be done to improve the standard of driving in Singapore?

Question

What can be done to improve the standard of driving in Singapore?

Answer 1

Most Singapore drivers are very impatient and do not want to give way to others especially when they are rushing about. I guess they feel they are losing out if they allow others the right of way.



There is a very simple, effective but largely overlooked solution to correct this behaviour.



I think we should seriously enforce the STOP sign rule i.e. every driver must come to a COMPLETE STOP at every stop sign, even if there is no other traffic around. At cross junctions, the first car to reach the STOP sign will have priority to move off first. This forces everyone to realise



1. that there is no need to rush all the time, and

2. that they are sharing the roads with other drivers so it is totally fine to give way to others when necessary.



I believe, based on what I observed while driving in the U.S. (and where there are really serious consequences for not stopping at STOP signs), that enforcing the STOP sign rule will go along way to foster driving courtesy on Singapore roads.

Answer 2

Dont show off your louya sports car la!! Please take off that picture! Thanks a million!

Answer 3

It would be quite unfair to comment that all Singapore drivers are no good as there is always a black sheep among us. What is important is from your good self, whether you should practise the mandatory and your perception towards the value of life. We graduated from driving schools which complied to certain standards laid down by our ministry, and sometimes it may just bottom down to your heart....

Answer 4

Every country has their fair share of good and bad drivers. I feel that more can be done if the local authority improve on the standards of those driving instructors. Most of the drivers learned the wrong driving methods thus, bad driving peeves will show up. How qualified are those private/ non-private instructors? Barely. As i feel what they've learned are history. Make driving tests stricter and have professional driving instructors to teach one how to drive, we will definitely see improvement on our roads.

Answer 5

I own cars but I do not drive. Singapore Driving test centre through my experience ensure high standard before each individual were issue driving licence. Usually drivers 'new' or ' old' will pick up some bad or good driving habit along ' the road '. Most importantly the drivers must inculcate safety aspect every time they get into the vehicle . They must respect another driver and acknowledged each lives is important including their own.

We all have someone dear to our heart ; lives are priceless. Learn to appreciate and do not rush :)

Answer 6

Singapore drivers are very impatient. They can't afford to wait for 10 second to give way to other vehicles. But in general, Singapore drivers are more "skillful' compare to neighbour countries. I am sure a lot of Malaysia drivers can't reverse park their vehicle nicely. Many accidents in Singapore are due to "impatient" and not unskillful.

Answer 7

The cost of having a car is dear; leave alone maintenance,rather than drive a car, most ppl prefer the public transport 4 the above reason.Singapore has a really a Mt Everest to climb before it becomes like America .

Answer 8

1 most ppls are ignornant of road courtesy in singapore road n most are Road HOG ,n the level of good driver is getting less .

2 most road in singapore have so many different colour or patches .

3 To be a World class transport is to start from road work n planning n educate the driver more.

4 it will take another 10 -20 years to be a world class in singapore road this days, If LTA or road work dept do have a listerning ear it be a smooth for public transport to be well planned ahead then now lack of sand n grainte .

Answer 9

Frankly, Lousy. But not all are to be blame. Its your attitude towards driving. Have fun while driving. Whats the rush,since the size of Spore is not that big, compare to KL. Do not compare us to others. We are on our own league as you said. If we do compare with other drivers, we are out, big time. So I choose to drive on my own leisure. Hope that justify your answer. Have fun driving.

Answer 10

In my experience, Singaporean drivers are generally cautious, but lacking in raw driving skill and simple courtesy when compared to drivers in other developed countries.



I'd suggest a two-pronged approach to tackle both problems.



First, driver training needs to be revamped in order to impart a higher level of skill and confidence to licence holders. In other countries, drivers have to be prepared for higher highway speeds, narrow, winding roads, as well as seasonal driving conditions, and driving instruction is commensurably thorough. The low-speed, closed circuit-based training we have here seems to do little more than prepare new drivers for passing the driving test.



A dedicated facility where drivers can be taught skills like skid control or emergency braking or safe wet weather driving is long overdue.



Second, on the subject of courtesy, law enforcement has a role to play. While the authorities seem to target easy offences like speeding or drink driving, too little attention is paid to things like lane discipline, keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front, or using the turn signals properly, all simple things that would make driving here not only safer, but more pleasant.

Answer 11

I have driven for many years in US and now live in Singapore. I feel that the drivers in Singapore is about 6/10 in terms of courtesy. There are actually some very courteous drivers who would yield in a crowded road when you need to change lanes even though the traffic is bumper to bumper. This was a daily event when my office was at Raffles Place. I noticed that the most courteous drivers are Taxi drivers. I can almost always count on them to yield. Of course there are also many who would not give an inch. Interestingly, some of these are foreigners.



How to improve the courtesy? Just be courteous to others and watch the goodwill spread. That was how I learned it when I was a new driver in US. Someone gave way to me and I was so surprised that I made it a point to do the same ever since.



Traffic actually flows better when everyone gives way. Those who are in such a hurry and would not budge an inch actually cause a jam which defeats their purpose. They are also more likely to get into an accident.



So, be courteous and be safe. We'll all get there sooner and saner.

Answer 12

Singapore drivers pay a lot to own their cars relative to other countries and consequently driving becomes ostentatious. The manifestations of such ostensity are the unruly behaviours one observes on the roads, such as refusal to give way, driving with an 'i own the road' attitude...etc. However those same inconsiderate behaviours are not restricted to just motorists alone. Pedestrians too have a part to play. It is hard for people from other Asian countries to understand how many Singaporeans (i'm not talking about the older folks) take their own sweet time when crossing the roads (almost like strolling in the park!). I think road manners must also be inculcated since young, via moral education in schools and also be incorporated into the Basic theory test.

It cannot ensure that we will turn into a gracious road users instantly, but at least one cannot claim to be ignorant of the good manners on the roads. Having travelled to many countries, I must sat that Singaporean drivers, with the exception of some, also possess very poor driving skills.

Singapore taxi drivers for the matter would not be able to survive on Taipei roads if they are cabbies there!

Answer 13

The main thing is having better instructors. If you don't teach the students properly, then they will develop bad habits. I was reading a magazine from 3 years from AAS while waiting at a clinic. It talked about bad habits of Singapore drivers. All were still true. They were:



1) Me first attitude.

2) Doesn't signal when changing lanes.

3) Queue jumping. i.e. cutting off others

4) General carelessness.

5) Tailgating.



If people would just do the following, then there would be less angry people on the roads:



1) Signal prior to changing lanes.

2) Know how to get there before you get in the car if you're unfamiliar with the area.

3) When changing lanes to exit, do it early and don't jump the queue.

4) Friggin pay attention !

5) Do not stop in a no-stopping zone. All you will do is block traffic.

6) If your lane is blocked on a 2-way road, wait for the other lane to be clear before going around the blockage. Do NOT drive into incoming traffic.

7) Do not turn and block oncoming traffic. If you get hit, you will be at fault.

8) Think as if you were the other driver, would you want some jerk doing the something bad to you ?

Answer 14

General speaking, looking into the fatal accident rates compared to other country, Singapore can considered the "less" haha. Singaporean drivers are very impaitence, when it comes to traffic light, most drivers tend to "beat" the traffic light when it turns Amber. Driving on lane 3 in the express way, which is meant for slow moving vehicles, i don't see a reason why drivers like to overtake from the road shoulder to bypass the slow moving traffic in lane 3 by the way isn't driving on a road shoulder a traffic offence, just by a 5 second overtaking you might get booked by a traffic police if you do not know they hide haha. Just a gentle reminder slow drivers live longer even though your vehicle is the best of the best, when the vehicle just give way at the wrong time you might end up in "paradise".

Answer 15

Singapore drivers pay a lot to own their cars relative to other countries and consequently driving becomes ostentatious. The manifestations of such ostensity are the unruly behaviours one observes on the roads, such as refusal to give way, driving with an 'i own the road' attitude...etc. However those same inconsiderate behaviours are not restricted to just motorists alone. Pedestrians too have a part to play. It is hard for people from other Asian countries to understand how many Singaporeans (i'm not talking about the older folks) take their own sweet time when crossing the roads (almost like strolling in the park!). I think road manners must also be inculcated since young, via moral education in schools and also be incorporated into the Basic theory test.

Answer 16

Being a frequent visitor to various countries in this region, I have to admit that the driving habits in Singapore generally rates quite good. That said, some pro-active measures can ensure that it does not deteriorate.



The first issue is the car population which has grown rapidly with the lowering of car prices and COE. The already fragile patience of Singapore drivers gets tested further with the growing road congestion. In not too distant future, one can foresee the ruling to allow odd and even numbered cars on specific days of the week to optimise traffic density.



Simultaneously, driving courtesy (giving way/ not cutting across lanes etc.) is something that needs improving. The only way to do this is through spot checking and imposing fines, particularly on drivers who cut lanes. Drivers are fined for speeding but cutting lanes is far more dangerous and needs to be checked more vigilantly.

Answer 17

You've got it good, actually... Driving here in Singapore is not so bad relative to say driving in the Philippines or Thailand. I still think that driving in Singapore is relatively safe.



What can be done to improve the standard of driving? I think road courtesy is an "individual thing". Drivers may think of their cars as an extension of their personality or their identity - rightly or wrongly, I don't know, but that may well be the reality. Hence, furthering a culture of courtesy, of "it's OK - no problem" could well be the root that could change the standard of driving in Singapore.

Answer 18

This is a real can of worms, most driver globally are impatient self centred SOB's.The problem isn't going to go away. Sinagporeans are like flies in a jar all buzzing around with no where to go. I've stayed here for 7 years and to date have no desire to drive a car . I have 20,000 cars to choose from each with its own Chaufeur. A great integrated rail system and bus network. I used to drive over 150,000K a year, and its the best lifestyle improvement not to have a car. I also worked out I'd be 1-2K worse off a month with a gas guzzler. The real solution here is to put the COE up to $50K . Remove COE from Taxi's and let the government spend the extra income installing better cycle paths and sidewalks and encouraging use of public transport. Car cultures are self centred and arrogant Ithink Singapore deserves to be more than that

Answer 19

After driving in Australia for over 2 years, i agree that drivers in Singapore need to improve in terms of road courtesy. I've already experienced a few close shaves when the vehicle in front of me brakes hard and/or turns without signalling - and if not for the safety distance i keep, i'd be an accident due to my fault. The indicator lever is within finger distance, why can't drivers just use it??? And it's not that they're lost and unsure when/where to turn....



Another thing i hate about driving in S'pore is that we need to be rather aggressive when changing lanes (even upon signalling), as few give way. Some even try to close the gap when they see the car coming in! This is not F1-racing where positions matter.



Well, much needs to be done to improve things here. I fully agree with Collin that speed cams don't contribute much to ensuring road safety. It's reckless driving and parking that is a hazard here.



Much needs to be done to educate and reinforce basic road courtesy to drivers here. I've seen road safety campaigns come and go, but the problems still exist. I only hope that things have improved and are improving.

Answer 20

Singapore driver has no patience at all. Therefore the driving school should be focus on teaching on road manner. Driving a car is easy but trying to give way and keep calm is not anyone can do it. Also please try to control the quantity of car on the road. Nowaday car is cheaper then the old time and more different brand of new car is coming into singapore. Imagine if a few thousand of car are to be put on the road, the ERP will be raise to $10 or more.

Answer 21

To the MSPs out there - most traffic accidents are CAUSED by MALE DRIVERS!!! FACT 1. Males are more likely to be involved in fatal / serious road accident - FACT 2. So please reflect before you start condemning female drivers.



Don't pick on female drivers just because you've met some not to good ones on the road. Try this exercise and you'll find out the some males are equally bad... i.e. taxi drivers (ops is that too judgemental). Do a count whilst you're driving, how many times you encounter a bad female driver vs the male ones...



Driving condition in sg is not that bad as compared to our neighbouring countries. (Sg bikers dun ride like our m'sian counterparts).



We lack courtesy on our road. For example, you are stuck in a que to turn right at the junction in front and you'll see others cutting que thus we have learn either to que and not to give way to those who cut que, or cut que the next time round. It's a vicious cycle.



Another example, if you meet a taxi driver who high beam and tail gate you on e'way you'll do the same to the other taxi driver that's travelling a little too slow on the extreme right lane. The difference is you might meet one nasty one who will brake hard right infront of you... Yet another vicious cycle. Haiz....

Answer 22

Its basically the Singaporean's 'Bo Chap' attitude which needs to change. Everyone here thinks that they own the road. Inconsiderate pedestrians walk without looking thinking the cars would give way and stopping taxis at busy junctions disrupting traffic. Why they must stop the taxis near the junctions when there are better places nearby is beyond me. And taxi drivers just e-braking to accept the passenger is another problem. Then when on the road it seems like signalling is a crime or something...esp those older drivers and taxi drivers. Trying to safe battery power I suppose? And those inconsiderate drivers who hog the right lanes driving at 70km/h. I'm sure the left lane misses you. And finally the parking issue. I guess most of us when through driving schools using poles so when we finally pass we will be lost. Maybe driving schools should take note of that. I'm sure our drivers are good and could be better than those from other countries its just that our attitude has gotta change.

Answer 23

I am comvinced that Singapore has the highest percentage of inconsiderate drivers. This inexplorable behaviour is not restricted only to driving but other aspects as well. If you happen to be travelling in a foreign country, open your eyes and if you notice fellow Singaporean travellers, do not be surprised if the ugly and uncouth manners emerge some way or another.



Back to the question, the only way (as I see it) to improve the standard of driving in Singapore is to impose hefty penalties and jail terms for traffic offences. We all know that majority of Singaporeans are relatively well off. A $100 fine for not indicating your intentions in advance (using light indicators) is nothing. Impose a $1000 fine together with stringent enforcement will hurt Singaporeans where it usually does. The wallet. Everyday, I see Singapore drivers using their mobile phones without handsfree without any sign of being afraid of being caught. Why not make this offence a mandatory jail term of 1 week + $5000 fine.



I learned my driving from Australia and even without such harse penalties, 99% of drivers will use light indicators even if they are a turning lane only. In Singapore 99% of drivers do not use light indicators.

Answer 24

I have been a heavy road user for more than 10 years in Singapore due to my sales and marketing job. While extremely disappointed by incidents almost everyday or rather every single time i am on the road, i have accepted the fact that 'Singapore drivers spend longer time, higher fee for driving course as compared to neighbouring countries, but having the worst attitude'. Answer: Education, not about driving, but about how to be a courteous and well-mannered person who cares and think about others.

Answer 25

The majority of the suggestions so far are addressing the effects and not the root cause of bad driving in Singapore. My feeling is that the root cause is there are too many vehicles on the roads leading to reduced traffic flow i.e the CTE, resulting in impatience. Steps currently taken are ineffective and do not provide a deterrent. This is substantiated by the increase in traffic accidents, road deaths and drink driving as reported by the traffic police earlier this year. Therefore a reduction of circa 10 -15% in the number of vehicles supported by tougher penalties is required.



Driving should be a privilege in a place the size of Singapore and an effective deterrent would be the total immobilization of a car for a range of periods from one week to a year. Depending on the severity someone who exceeds the speed limit by 20KPH, drives whilst on the phone, cause injury or death by careless driving or drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs should have their vehicle totally immobilized. Maybe then there will be a lesser potential for a repeat of the accident in Penang Road



The reduction in the number of vehicles may also increase the demand for taxis in off peak hours, increase their income and hopefully reverse the 11% increase in taxi accidents as also reported earlier this year.

Answer 26

I think that enforcement should start with targeting professional drivers.



Drivers who get paid to drive, eg. taxi drivers and big vehicle drivers get away with horrible driving on a regular and common basis, especially with regards to:



- speeding and road hogging (large vehicles)

- changing lanes without signalling and road hogging (taxis)



Targeted increased enforcement will lead to better behaviour on the road by those who use it the most frequently. This will have a strong trickle-down effect on non-professional motorists.



The last time this was done was in 2003 or 04, when there was an incident of a truck driver killing a police patrol. The subsequent increased enforcement really made a difference for the following 2-3 months.



However, we have a short memory, so we would probably have to live with status quo.



Average is rarely good.

Answer 27

Singaporeans are indeed impatient and unfriendly. When you signal your intention, the following car will speed up all of a sudden. And this scenario seems to become a culture. And all the road works on busy roads during the day sure cause a lot of inconvenience and thus creates congestion. Then inconsiderate drivers start to overtake at the point of the road works instead of much earlier when there is an indication showing roadworks ahead. This creates further congestion. Maybe all drivers should go for a re-education program on road courtesy. Or should we slow down our pace???

Answer 28

In Singapore,we have to go through classes and take exams before driving.After receiving our driving license,we have to put that triangle thingy in our car for 1 year,i guess..Standard procedure.

I'm just wondering, since these drivers go through classes, why is it that they do not input whatever they learn into their driving?

Even the simplest thing as signal when changing lanes is so very hard for some drivers. Either they think that the road is theirs or their side mirrors tells it all.

We have plenty of road rules and Singapore ever did the Campaign for Road Courtesy..But where is the coutesy?

Some drivers are well aware of road courtesy and they drive with passion and think of their safety and others as well,and that is good because it actually reflect back on ourselves. While some others just drive without a heart. Just for the sake of passing the test and getting a license, ignoring all road rules and whatever they have learnt in class.

In my opinion, no matter how high the goverment fined those culprits who ignore road rules,accidents still occur.

Road Courtesy Campaign is not enough for some. It's the heart and mind that matters. Those who want to be drivers must instill in them the importance of driving courtesy and road safety not for ownself but for other road users as well. Be aware of the road activities.Be attentive and alert always. Your eyes is your life when you are on the road driving. Of course, pedestrians and motorists play a part too.

Just an example i'd like to make..Most taxi drivers in Singapore are often complained to be bad drivers. Well, they are ..just look at some of them taking a left straight turn to take a passenger without giving a glance at the traffic behind! They signal, yes but they didnt wait a while for the traffic, but just go ahead.. My god!

I've went to Australia and compared the taxi drivers are far more better than here in Singapore. Their street pick ups are far more better too.

I just hope that some drivers in Singapore will change their driving habits. It is very sad to see many victims on road accidents. Imagine us to be one of them, do you want that to happen to you or your family members?

Answer 29

I think most Singapore drivers are not courteous on the roads. The speed when you signal that you are driving into their lanes.



They switch lanes without signalling and are extremely impatient on the roads, that is why we hear so much accidents on the roads everyday.



We should restrict or up the standard of our testers for learner drivers and make it very difficult to obtain a driving licence to ensure we have good quality drivers and make Singapore a less stress environment.

Answer 30

I feel education. Other than that nothing. So far I have been to many places. So far I feel Germany, Hong Kong and Japan ppl are quite nice. They wait and seldom honk. They give way too. So patient is the word. But I guess there is a lack in this area not only in Singapore but many other places. Singapore drivers usually cannot let ppl "cut" into their lane one. Also they cannot lose to others. This explain why lately there are so many accidents in Singapore. In here where kiasu rules, not way to raise the standard. U just have to be more careful and treat it as doing charity work by saving their pathetic lives.

Answer 31

1) Review highway speed limit.

North-south Highway with such a condition can afford 110km/h, why can't we travel faster in singapore, such a high quality highways. We pay a lot for the maintenance as well construction. Actually, higher the speed make driver alert.

2)Road hogging.

Road hog cause other driver impatient, start cutting lanes to overtake. Who's wrong? Both! But without hogging, who so free to cut in & out. If someone drives side by side with another vehicle on the highway, empty at least 5 cars distance in front; but a queue behind. Something wrong , right? But it's common in Singapore, & eventually those RECKLESS drivers are the only to blame.........

Answer 32

One reason singapore drivers are impatient is to do with the design of the road. On any Singapore's highway, the distance between the entries and the exits are very short. There are too many car filter in and exiting that cause congestion during peak hours. Naturally, everyone learnt to keep away from the congested spot and lane switching is becoming a common scene

Answer 33

I've not been to many countries, but the "cities" i've been to eg. Shanghai, HongKong, Kuala Lumpur left me feeling comforted when I get back Singapore Roads.



There are some bad sheeps around but let's not stereotype all Singaporeans as impatient, rude, reckless drivers. In fact, I think generally, we are an ok bunch. Perhaps if the lifestyle we're leading wasn't this hectic... we won't be in such a mad rush to get places. Perhaps if we board a cab and we don't tell the taxi uncle, "Uncle, please hurry..." he wouldn't be pressured to get us to our destinations on time. If our cars were more affordable, more people who pass their driving tests will be able to buy a vehicle and hence have more practice on the road and naturally become more experience drivers.



Well, we're already the world's fastest walkers... needless to say why we're in a hurry all the time. Can't help but flaunt a couple of road rules... But surely,we are not that atrocious.

Answer 34

Driving is about good estimation, patience and consideration. If every drivers can apply all these factors, Singapore will be a safer and happier place to drive around. I do not deny that WOMEN are very lousy drivers. I, myself is a woman, I encountered a woman driver changed lane though with her signal on, without knowing that I was just 1 meter away beside her. She caused me to engine brake my car, change to her previous lane to prevent collision. I even honked warning her that I am beside her, she just ignored! Women are relatively slower drivers but please don't cause accident to others due to the "slow" reaction. Not about gender racism here, guys' driving ettitques are struck up too. Rushing to hell? No, street racing ok.... go to the tracks if you want. Which gender often drink and drive? Male drivers are considerate inconsiderate drivers.



You never know whether a toddler/elderly would cross the road out of nowhere. If you knocked into someone even vehicles, ever wonder will that happen to your loved ones?

Answer 35

Why are Singaporean impatient ? We should sometimes look at the situation . Example ; If you go doen to Syed Alwi road and you stand there for 10 mins , you can see people honking away . WHY ? easy . There are VERY inconsiderate people out ther who just stops by the road , illegal parking and thinking that they own the road . So its not that people are impatient but rather , have those inconsiderate people SHOW any signs of coutesy ? NO . They are selfish people who just stops when they wish to , or just take their own sweet time to drive while on the phone . Yes , there are still the impatient ones who just honks when they stop but sometimes jam are caused by inconsiderate drivers and not impatient drivers . So it all starts with the inconsiderate drivers right ?



As for dangerous drivers . The governement should actually limit the speed limit of people who just got their driving license (P Plates) . Now a days , powerful cars come cheap . So its easier for people to gain access to faster cars . So the one thing that can prevent more deads from newbies would be to disallow the new drivers to own / drive cars that are too pwerful for them to handle . Usually accidents happened because they are either tailgating or travelling way to fast to stop .

As for dangerous driving , com'on give us a race track . I'm sure people would take it on the track then to drive dangerously right ? PS . BRING THE F1s here !!! Money will flow in fast !! :)

Answer 36

Well if one has driven in Australia, you will know that it is light years away from S'pore if you compare road courtesy and having law abiding drivers.



Seriously, I strongly believe that the driving experience in S'pore will become even much much worst in time to come. Fines and education will not solve the problem. An example is littering - we have our anti-littering campaign since 40 over yrs ago but the littering problem still persists.



Also I find many new drivers (after they pass out from driving centres), they cannot parallel park at all !! New drivers comment that they cannot park without the guiding poles into the parking lot used during the test and driving lessons ?? Amazing and sad !!!

Answer 37

singapore drivers have improved over the years.....not a perfect system and asking for a perfect system is a little too much.



however, being a rider.....still see some acts by drivers which seems illogical



1) changing lanes in a traffic jam - the driver moves to about 2, 3 metres and stops again.



2) the singapore car way to change lane - turn then signal....else no one is gonna give u way. also, never check blind spot.....but if something bad happens, they just say the magic word and expects everything is all right...."I say sorry already whaaaaaat"



3) the singapore bike way to change lane - dun use signal lights....keep swinging left and right.



4) bikes - forever squeezing hoping road tax wont be raised.....

Answer 38

Try driving in States, Aussie or Europe. You'll become a better driver automatically. There is no rush for time. In Singapore, we're voted as the fastest walking people in the world. This is our pace and naturally, it applies to our driving habit. The need to catch up and not lose out. While we keep complaining on how other drivers behave on the road. Let us reflect on our own driving habit. Changes start from ourselves. It won't hurt to stop and give way. Less traffic light please.

Answer 39

I am one driver who will curse and swear at other drivers on the road. Many people will say I'm impatient, but why don't they think about their own flaw first? Changing lanes without signalling, changing lanes SUDDENLY, stopping without flashing their hazards light first, hogging the whole expressway, hogging 2 LANES in the expressway, coming out of filter lanes without giving way, installing ultra bright headlights to blind other drivers, NEVER CHECK BLINDSPOT, anyhow brake for fun, etc.

If everyone can adhere to the "slow moving vehicles, keep left" rule, firstly we would not have traffic jams. Secondly, there will be less accidents on the road because drivers will not tailgate. Thirdly, we will see less of people (including me) getting impatient.

Also, drivers should learn to realise they are not F1 drivers. Stop and give way when necessary.



However, when compared to drivers from other countries, we are very much more patient already: Which country's driver drives at 50 hm/h along an empty neighbourhood street? I think drivers just need to practise safe driving, and be aware that they are not driving on their Ah Gong's road.



*The best reward for following rules is getting to the destination safely.

Answer 40

Not very sure if anyone brought this up as there are too many past ans to read. But i do hope that pole thingy can be removed from the driving test as we don't have poles in real life. Most new drivers always complain "no pole i duno how to park" coz instead of teaching how to park, the instructors teach when to turn the steering wheel when u see which part of the pole at which part of the car. After passing my driving test, i still have no confidence in parking And also, maybe there should be a revision test every 2yrs or so to refresh people with license but seldom drive so that they don't become a hazard without a P plate.

Answer 41

There's nothing more to improve about the standard of driving in Singapore nor we don't have to compare our driving skills with other countries because its all about our attitude. Most of the times, our mood shows our driving skills.



If we're in a bad mood, I'm sure our attitude of driving is worse than other countries but different when we're in a good mood.



Everybody plays a role in driving properly because we bring the standard of driving on the road and not the other way around.



As for more traffic/civilian police or rise on fines, I don't think it's a good idea as we ourselves are not perfect (even TP officers squeeze in to get in front of the road) and we hate paying large sums of FINES or getting our freedom taken away or BOTH.

Answer 42

Being a German, Singapore is a nightmare. The worst in the "developed world" To improve - learn driving without playing with the phone, shaving, arranging the hair, picking your nose, dreaming of what-ever.... Attitude is the key word.Here the drivers all think they are god's gift to Ferrari.

Get a reality check and see that you are not alone on this planet. Otherwise, increase the fine to min. S$ 3000 per penalty. Hurt back where it hurts most.

Answer 43

Hi Colin,



Thank you for bringing this topic out. It is a very serious matter.



I think the attitude of drivers on Singapore roads needs to be improved. Too fast drivers out there. Many road accidents have escalated lately. For example: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/070131/5/singapore255573.html



To answer your question:

The rate is still not so good. The good and patient attitude needs to be instilled here. Many lorry drivers are very reckless on the highway and i see many cars driving at 80km/h driving so close to one another. Didnt they learnt this before? Good braking distance??



My suggestions would be:



More emphasis on BETTER ATTITUDES ( MOST IMPORTANT: Patience) in all driving centre classes as an important topic and in the MEDIA and WORKPLACE. Gosh if only we dont work on weekends, then we would be less stressed about rushing back to see our families. Can more lives be saved.



To passengers who wants taxi drivers to speed is also the cause of accidents.



GOOD ATTITUDE counts and more ample braking distance, have a nice day!

Answer 44

If there's Patience & basic Courtesy, to give in to other road users.. the basic importance of safety checks, example; blindspots... it would be a better attitude for all road users to use.. Singapore Driver's = Impatient Freaks, hot-tempered attitude... when showing u hand sign's that show "what the hell you doing?" Horn's are sound, whenever there's a Queue or waiting will take place because of a car infront of them..

where as in other countries(not refering to the 3rd world people),

people give in, not matter how much time u gave they still show courtesy hand signs or in reply with a smile...

Answer 45

The traffic police needs to take a more holistic approach to traffic enforcement. Currently, speeding and bus lane violations seem to be the only areas that are well, policed.



What about road hogging, weaving in and out of lanes, not stopping at stop signs and just being rude to other motorists? If these areas are enforced, motorists will make a more conscious effort to improve their standard of driving.



Also, bus and taxi drivers should be sent for ‘refresher' courses annually to brush up on their driving skills. After all, they are responsible for the safety of the public that they transport. If airline pilots have to do it, I don't see why bus and taxi drivers have to as well. On this note, there should be a ‘How am I driving?' hot-line displayed on their vehicles so that members of the public can call to commend or complain about these guys.

Answer 46

The skills of Singaporean drivers are pretty good compared to many countries. For those who travel quite a bit, you realized our drivers follow the rules quite well. Our standard of driving is very dependent on individual perspective of motor vehicle, and temperament of our environment. For example, consistent congestion or nature of roads may add salt to the wound.



Through government or private trained drivers are both qualified. However, we all know different schools educate and preach different psychology of driving. Hence, we have to work on alignment of this materials first and re-train our driving instructors. I am not saying our instructors are not doing a good job, but a school of trainers must have a uniform set of manuals in order to achieve common goals.



Relative association may also provide a platform for drivers to contribute ideas or plans for LTA to leverage on resources. Rules and rules may not work, however if we can influence each drivers if not more drivers to induce "Singapore Drivers culture", i think we should be doing well.

Answer 47

Singapore drivers don't lack skill but they sorely lack basic courtesy. There's just so much of a 'me first' mentality going on everywhere you look. Of course there are some good drivers too, but on the whole the road attitudes leave a lot to be desired.



Maybe it's just in our culture. After all, after so many years we still can't keep to one side of the escalator in MRT stations when there are signs all over reminding us to do it. What hope is there to get people to keep off the right lane unless they are overtaking?



The only good thing? The drivers here are definitely better than those in China. But I would rate Malaysian drivers higher than Singapore ones. Sure, many of them are speedsters and drive a bit wildly. But they also know how to give way and to keep left when necessary.

Answer 48

I think we can't compare our style of driving with other drivers in the world.We have our own unique style.Let's face it,no matter how we compared,we must compared with our way of life (If we have one!) and how small Singapore is..! Owning a car in Singapore make us have a false sense of luxury. Because end of the day,the cost of owning one can make one think that they deserve/expect certain returns.Sorry..in Singapore,If you own your ride,you can't expect anything from anyone.No matter how the roads are improved or numbers of ERP gantries setup...We are too small of a country to have so much traffics.including buses...with new buses lanes and new rules and slower vehicles have to share lanes with the rest of the commuters..and those jams will make people to become impatient. Imagine that you have paid so much for owning it,yet it can't really let you have the freedom. Our hectics ways of lives have make us less tolerance human being..Time is something really matter to each and every Singaporean.



Example:if you live in HDB, do you think most people really bother about their neighbour.Try taking the lift,and We/Singaporeans will start taking things for granted.Talk about courtesy campaign..it do not work if we are teaching our children that all the things we have now is something we should have/deserved.

So in order to improve our standard of driving? Start changing our mentality including the government bodies.(everyone had to play apart,stop making contradicting plans or decision)

For a quick solution: maybe start flying instance of driving........it will help momentarily

Answer 49

1. Its part of out society making, notihing more is more important then making enough. We are alwasy rushing to meet that requirement. and we forgot the fun about driving.

And driving is just a need to get somewhere to do something.

2. People who think they own the entire SIngapore road system just because they have a more powerful car. And thinking that they can get away with it. Usually someone else have to pay for their mistake.

We are not the worst, but we are very far from being good driving.

Answer 50

Perhaps every driver should go for a tour in China, and observe the traffic conditions there.



Everyone lives dangerously: traffic rules are flouted all the time and cars drive straight at passengers without slowing down.



I have been to Macau and Zhuhai, and I can attest that it is a wakeup call to me about what might happen if the standard of driving in Singapore deteriorates further.

Answer 51

To be honest, I don't think Singapore is alone in this. At the end of the day, it comes down to plain ol' social etiquette and commonsense. Complaints of similar bad driving habits come even from somewhere as far away as Canada. Like it or not, we are all human beings and as such, are affected by the environment we live in. It's just one of those things that creep up on us unsuspectingly with city living, surrounded by all the pressure to "look out for yourself and be no. 1". Take a look at small sleepy towns far away from the city and you will see a totally different scene. Picture this, traffic lights are green for the cars to move but no car does and no horns are sounded just so that the little old lady can slowly cross the street. As she walks by, she nods and waves her hand to say thank you and the drivers in the front just smile and wave in acknowledgement. Just something that you'll very very rarely see in Singapore.



We are always in a rush to be first, so much so that we are now ranked no. 1 in the world for our speed of walking, behind Copenhagen in Denmark and Madrid in Spain. Walking speeds provide a reliable measure of the pace of life in a city and from the looks of it, we sure are in a rush to get "somewhere".

Answer 52

Diving centres should provide courses like defensive driving for drivers irregardless of new or old. Make it affordable for all income to enroll. At the same time, air more road safety advertisements on the radio & television.



Our drivers are indeed impatient & sometimes reckless but its not all of them. Only a handful of them that is causing a stir. Heavy fines nor more cameras will not help. It will even "motivate" them to evade or slip by the system.



Most impatient drivers come from "stressful" jobs or they are just "spoilt" brats. Its the living culture in Spore that causes people to react that way. I still think its good to educate them by offerring Defensive Driving courses.

Answer 53

Singapore drivers certainly need to be taught on road manners. I was away for 18yrs and when i came back i found that Singapore drivers don't give way to others especially when you give signal. Taxi drivers most but not all are even worst, they are very selfish and won't wanna give way too. Most of our pedestrians are also surprise when i gave way to them. That means Singapore drivers seldom do that. When i was in Thailand, drivers gave way and also thank each others by waving their hands or nodding their head.



i rate Singapore drivers 4/10

Answer 54

Life style in singapore is too fastpaced and nervewrecking, thus causing singaporeans to be living in a pressure cooker state. Any minor provocation can trigger an aggressive reaction.

E.G. Heavy vehicles driving on center or right lane at slow speed, cars travelling at right lanes at slow speed, cars speeding out from slip roads when your car is nearing the junction only to slow down causing you to almost collied into it( ladies, pls take note.), slow moving vehicles insisting on travelling on fast lanes.

Road hogging is considered an offence, so is reckless driving. Always wondered if anyone felt the link between the two.

In a society where you start to be branded by the educational system since young and you must compete like hell to stay with the stream, i really cannot believe the anyone patient, can be groomed, unless of course if you have the power to choose the path of your life since young, or if your father is a figure of power.

I personally believe that no system is as disturbing as branding people's life. This plays games with people's mind. Basically i believe that there is no way to improve our driving condition at all. I, for the matter had been punished for a traffic offence because TP has insisted on listening to the other party because he reported first and even thou he pointed his freaking middle finger at me with 4 witnesses in my car. What is the use of having such enforcement agency when they can't do s*it?

So my dear friend, dun think about improving our situation. Take comfort in seeing our roads are newer, we have more street lamps, and also our mata got flashier cars than other asian counterparts, WRX leh........

Whahaha

Answer 55

I personally think it is unfair to point the finger at impatient drivers or drivers who drive quickly.



There are two sides to every coin and it takes two (or more) to make a dangerous driving situation occur so I suggest that all the people who keep complaining take a look at themselves before opening their mouths.



If someone is tail-gating or overtaking you dangerously, then check you speedo, chances are you are travelling too slowly for that person. Rather than insist on your way because you are 'right', why not speed up or keep left and let him pass?



Or maybe if someone refuses to give way so you can filter left or right. Then you might want to learn to keep left or right earlier in future.



If someone always brakes too hard or without reason, then keep a further distance behind or switch lanes.



My suggestion in short? Stop whining and do something about your own driving to adapt to the way things are here.

Answer 56

Actually, I tend to agree that Singaporean drivers are very good already. Just yesterday, a tree fell due to heavy rain and blocked 4 lanes on ECP, left 1 lane (right most one). I was stuck in the jam for quite some time, thinking that it might be an accident. However, when i saw the tree (I was on the second right most) and signal right, the car beside mine immediately gave way. I was quite surprise as I have not even move nearer to the right lane. Usually you need to show your intention by moving a bit more right. Then I saw the cars in front of me are also in an orderly manner merging into the right most lane. No one horn or recklessly try to cut queue. So nice. :)

Answer 57

It is a vicious cycle. After driving for some years. I think the mentality is:

1) If you wouldn't give way why should I signal?

2) If you don't signal, why should I give way



Problem is not only on the road. It is what we have become...

Ever have frustration when taking MRT or just walking?



1) Truely inconsiderate people standing on the right side of the escalator. Will not give way even if you say "excuse me"

2) Rude people who scolded you if you happen to be in their way, be it on the escalator or when you fail to operate the lift for them. They forgot they can ask for assistance or they can say "excuse me"....

3) Pushing when trying to get on board or alight the MRT.

4) Rushing for seats on the train

5) Failure to give up seats to the needy



I've only been to Melbourne and Seattle. But be it walking, taking public transport or driving, it is much more enjoyable in those 2 cities. Even JB seems better....



We have to take stock and see what has happened to our ethics, moral values and courtesy... Perhaps there really is no solution. It is something that we have to pay for trying to be one of the best in everything we do. So if we compete to be the best globally we have to compete among ourselves even on the road.

Answer 58

Singaporeans drivers are inconsiderate practically do not give way. the impact of this problem is that's y commuters in a bus take a long journey to there destinations from Hg to Toa payoh take 1 hr to reach during peak hours. They the Singaporeans thought they are initial D drivers driving recklessly on roads. my previous encounter on road is suddenly a driver from 2ND lane swirl to the first lane almost bang into me as i driving at the 3rd lane. Govt should make it a point raise COE, oil price as it is a luxury to own car in Singapore,ERP charges, Road Tax to make it difficult for car ownership. In this way will not only reduce the carbon dioxide pollution to the environment n there will be less problems on the road. Lastly introduce carbon dioxide tax to those who drive.

Answer 59

i truly believe singapore's standard in terms of driving is pretty 'up there' compared to other countries thanks to the strict courses each has to go trought in order to get their driving License. trust me, other countries have it easy, to get a L is as easy as ABC. Rules wise, well there's always a minor few that will break the law one way or another. Not most though. with heavy fines and points system, its driving drivers to be more cautions etc. BUT the courtesy aspect, im not sure. yea i agree singapore is impatient and cnt be bothered to do hand signalling or even give a head knot. its sad, Here in aus, even bikers who passes each other will do a simple head knot.

Answer 60

The rules and enforcement are at the best, thereby focing drivers to follow road rules. I have seen so may singapore registered cars driving crazy in Malaysia. Unless we have good driving behaviour as a habit, we can't improve the driving stanards.

Answer 61

In Thailand, you can see traffic congestion but you'll seldom hear people honk unless it's to warn other people.



Singapore drivers can be quite impatient and will start honking when other cars block their way on the road. They seldom give way to pedestrian crossing the zebra crossing and inches closely towards people crossing the streets when the man is green.



Maybe it's due to fast pace society that we live in. Singaporeans are the world fastest walker according to a recent survey.



Soon we'll have the fastest drivers too...

Answer 62

Sg drivers can't compare to those with our neighbours. We have indeed nice roads & lots of traffic controls, including many many ERPs. Sg drivers pay alot to own a car, maintain it, rising petrol price (again!), carparking fees, summons etc etc.



Yes, Sg drivers are impatience & there are also some interesting drivers that hog the roads, especially driving at 80km/hr at the right-most lane on the expressway.. Some simply likes to drive dangerously & cut into others' lane without much a signal nor consideration to the one that he/she had just cut in - nearly causing an accident..



I must say that this culture applies to all users on the road; motorists, drivers, cyclists & even pedestrians..



Frankly, skills wise, Sg drivers are less skillfull as compared with M'sia & Indonesia.. They are more daring. As compared with States, those Americans are better mannered in driving.. they give way to slower drivers & even stop for them to join the expressway, for us, most of our drivers tend to speed up whenever a car signals...



LOL...

Answer 63

After reading the answers given and being a driver myself, i must admit that all of these problems listed are due to human. Why not remove the human element and let robots do the driving? Then there won't be speeding, reckless overtaking, reckless parking and driving. hehe =D



Then it won't be so tiring driving all the time. For all those non-drivers out there, driving isn't always a pleasure and convenience, it can be a burden at times.



Cheers!

Answer 64

Less parking attendances and more trafic police on the road. Stationary cars never downgrade the standard of drivings but its sad to say most drivers in Singapore gets more parking tickets fines then speedings!!!

Answer 65

If all drivers can respect themselves and other drivers on the road, the road in Singapore is almost ideal for driving. Signalling are meant to prepare other drivers to know what you intend to do, so use them wisely and when need to, at least show respect to other first before you expect other to respect you.

Answer 66

SIngaporean sucks and they are very ignorant when on the road. Very inconsiderate and they never fail to see that they are wrong when mistakes are done. Road hogging is the prime problem.

What can be done? Place a human police officers at every Overhead Bridges with camera. See what will happen. No more road hoggers and the Emergency Lane (lane 1) will be free for Emergency vehicles. Lane 1 is strictly for over-taking only.

Answer 67

Basically, the etiquette of drivers in Singapore are poor and impatient. I suggest having "civillian" traffic police officers everywhere on the road to summon those reckless drivers rather than the uniformed traffic police officers because everyone will behave when they see these officers but once they are out of sight, the bad road behaviour will return again.

Answer 68

Second, on the subject of courtesy, law enforcement has a role to play. While the authorities seem to target easy offences like speeding or drink driving, too little attention is paid to things like lane discipline, keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front, or using the turn signals properly, all simple things that would make driving here not only safer, but more pleasant.

Answer 69

Improve the standard of the drivers. Some drivers are just too bad at driving

Answer 70

Singaporean drivers are generally OK compared to motorists(drivers included) in Thailand and Taiwan. At the very least Singaporeans adhere to lane markings and traffic signals. In Taiwan, it's not uncommon to see a cab charging towards u head-on then swerve back to his lane at the very last moment.



Having said that, Singaporean driver have a very bad habit. Hogging the the 1st lane of every expressway at a death defying speed of 90kph. Come on, it's the 1st lane for goodness sake, at the very least speed up to 100kph. I always firmly believe speeding is not the no.1 cause of accidents. It's trying to avoid these road hogging inconsiderate fools that result in accidents.

Answer 71

1. Impose heavy fines on people who road hog

2. Impose heavy fines on horrible taxi drivers (tons of them!)

3. Impose heavy fines on those who do not signal



All the above needs lots more manpower from the TP to be stationied around though.



I've been driving in Spore, Msia, Aust and even Indo. Many drivers we have here are many times worse then those I see in those countries. Why? Because most of them think we can't do sh!t to them even if they don't give a damn. If they were in some other place, I bet they could easily get their faces smashed for being such fools.



Oh and yes ... BAN LADY DRIVERS ! Muwahaha!

Answer 72

Seriously, i do not think that raising the fine or placing more cameras or traffic police will slove the problem. Have you ever wondered if you were caught by your own implementation? I wonder how many of you are driving everyday to comment. I believe that it's the mind set of the drivers that have to do with the problems. I agree that most accidents are caused by impatience, implusiveness and recklessness. Have you wondered there has been many recent serious accidents by young drivers? Its strikes me to believe that they think driving is to show off. Maybe a little more education on driving etiquette.

Answer 73

Singaporeans are definitely much skillful drivers as compared to our neighbouring countries. However, it is probably due to our hectic and busy lifestyles that sometimes drivers got a little hot-headed and impatient on the road. But at the end of the day, to keep your cool and be rational is the most important virtue to cultivate as you will not want to harm anyone lives especially those of your love ones when they are the passengers. BE COOL, SAFETY COMES FIRST!!!

Answer 74

A bunch of impatient idiots who do not give way to anyone at all! The only way to improve the standard of driving in Singapore is to ban all these idiots from driving on Singapore roads. They are forever rushing to hell!!!

Answer 75

The main thing is having better instructors. If you don't teach the students properly, then they will develop bad habits. I was reading a magazine from 3 years from AAS while waiting at a clinic. It talked about bad habits of Singapore drivers. All were still true. They were:

Answer 76

We do have some very successful campaigns in Singapore like "Keep Singapore Clean Campaign" follow by hefty fines and punishments as such we are one of the cleanest city in the world earning praise and admiration from so many visitors. I suggest we follow the models of this campaighn and make it successfully that all visitors to Singapore can go back their country and spread the news with admiration on our motorist like how they said about this clean city state

Answer 77

Increase the age limit for learner drivers from 18 to 30! Less kids on the road the better.

Answer 78

Singapore is a small country with too many traffic lights. If we have lesser traffic lights, people will focus on road safety ie. human beings/ driving courtesy. Remember if you beat the red lights you get a immediate failure ? This traffic rule helps only to keep car behind stop line but it doesn't help to make the driver courteous. Road rules? How many can remember and show it? When I was learning driving, I remembered very clearly one incident- a p-plate van overtake me at a upward-sloping road, where there's only one lane. There's no double line, but I was 50m away from the traffic lights. I exclaimed and asked my instructor:" Did you see that? Luckily I was about to stop."He was as wide-eyed as I am. Another silmilar scenario happened when I was turning left, and the car just overtake mine, it happened abt 50m from zebra crossing. Again I exclaimed,"Luckily I was slowing down". You see that, people think they will 'die' just behind a so-called "slow moving vehicle", where they're suppose to slow down as following traffic rules. And I was so-called doing " road-hogging" act?? And to think my tester wailed out loud saying i drive too fast on minor road with car speed of 40km/h and failed me. If i were to drive at 40km/h, what will be the car speed to overtake me?

Answer 79

Singaporeans are too pampered! We have nice roads, traffic lights and traffic rules but our drivers do not know how to tell the difference between left and right..and our understanding of traffic rules sucks!



Rather leaving it to the police, we should just reward the public who are bus or taxi commuters with MMS phones. From the pictures taken with certain criteria set, we should be able to tell if the person who sent in the picture for reward is a guilty party himself.

Answer 80

I think shaming bad drivers is the only way to get their attention. Its just too comfortable in a car today, and many drivers feel too safely cocooned inside their cars, thinking that no other road users exists, and that they can drive how they like.



Just as people who litter are given corrective work order (CWO) as punishment, and made to wear bright orange jackets to shame them, errant drivers should be similarly ‘shamed’. Here’s how:



1. The offending driver should have a 50cm bright orange disc pasted on his door. It should have the following info: 1. A mug shot of the driver, 2. State his traffic offence, 3. state his/her punishment or demerit points, and 4. Have a 1-800-number clearly visible so that he/she can be reported should they be driving badly again.



Apart from this sticker on the driver’s door, there should be one on the bonnet, as well as one at the back. This will serve to warn other drivers to be mindful around this driver, just as rookie drivers need to wear the red and yellow tag when they drive. Taxi drivers should not be exempt from this branding punishment.



2. The other important aspect of this punishment should curtail the performance of the car they are driving. I feel the easiest way to do this is to have ultra skinny temporary spare tyres installed for all four tyres. These tyres are good for up to 80km/h, which is close to the legal limit anyway. As these rims are often painted in bright yellow or orange, they will serve as a visible and clear signal that this driver is a traffic offender.



The cost of the three stickers and the set of temporary wheels and tyres should form part of the punishment metted out to the traffic offender, as the idea is not to income generation for the traffic police, but to get driver’s to realise that they are responsible for their behaviour on the road.



I commend Colin for bringing this subject up, and hope the relevant authorities will do something about it.

Answer 81

Well, much needs to be done to improve things here. I fully agree with Collin that speed cams don't contribute much to ensuring road safety. It's reckless driving and parking that is a hazard here.



Much needs to be done to educate and reinforce basic road courtesy to drivers here. I've seen road safety campaigns come and go, but the problems still exist. I only hope that things have improved and are improving.

Answer 82

No offence to the male drivers - but there are 2 obvious ways:-



Some male drivers are too complacent of their own driving skills - end up they become careless or drive too fast and result in accidents which can be avoided. Lok at the recent number of road accidents? Arent most of them them caused by our dear young male drivers in their 20s as a result of speeding?



Stop thinking that all female drivers are lousy - with this mentality in mind, ended up showing off to the lady drivers or lady companions in a bid to impress, hence resulting in regrettable consequences.



There are good and skilful lady drivers out there. Please do not discriminate. Don't tell me male drivers are good drivers? I am sure not.

Answer 83

Firstly, set the bar higher for women to pass driving. Out of every ten bad drivers i see on the road, 8 of them are women.

Let me elaborate here.



1) Women like to signal left, turn right or don't make any turns at all.

2) Women always travel on the extreme right lane which is meant for over taking and fast cars at a speed on 70km/hr!! What inconsiderate drivers? Even after horning at them, they continue to drive at their slow tortise pace and refuse to move over to another lane.

3) Women drivers dont look b4 they turn. So many incidents, some female drivers just turn out from a side lane without looking and almost resulting in a near accident.

4) You guys have to agree on this. Women can't keep to their lanes. For some weird reason, female drivers always swere left and right and can't keep straight in their own lanes!

5) Women are road hoggers. They slow down the traffic, put other motorists at risk.



There was once i was driving behind this female driver. She was accelerating, and then braking. Accelerate and then brake. I don't understand.



Oh, btw i say all these with love to the female drivers out there. Come on. . lets be frank. . yes there are bad male drivers out there on the roads. But if u look at the ratio of bad female drivers to bad male drivers. . its scary. Out of every bad male driver, there's at least 5 lousy female drivers.

Answer 84

1. Plan your journey.

2. Leave early.

3. Have patient.

4. Be courteous and considerate.

5.Avoid making or answering call from handphone.

6. Stay Alert and attentive.

7. Comply to Traffic rules.

8. Be Tolerant.

9. Check your vehicle condition (defect and Fault).

10. Give way.

Answer 85

Nothing can be done. Good driving skills come with maturity. With the targetted 6.5 million population, the number of new drivers; either foreigners or youngsters will increase. These bring about weird or different driving habits. You will have to be a tolerant person to stomach that.

Answer 86

First, driver training needs to be revamped in order to impart a higher level of skill and confidence to licence holders. In other countries, drivers have to be prepared for higher highway speeds, narrow, winding roads, as well as seasonal driving conditions, and driving instruction is commensurably thorough. The low-speed, closed circuit-based training we have here seems to do little more than prepare new drivers for passing the driving test.



A dedicated facility where drivers can be taught skills like skid control or emergency braking or safe wet weather driving is long overdue.

Answer 87

Educate people thru media etc. For those who like to speed should be educated that the public road is not a place for them to show off their driving skills. If they are in the right mind, they should be professional enough to go a place that is a driving range fit for racing cars. Recently saw a report showing that road accident has become the number one killer compared to cancer, AIDs, etc. Everyone's Life is precious, it is not fair to lose a life or get hurt due someone's impatience or recklessness.

Answer 88

1) raise the bar of standard in driving centers. way up...



2) driving instructors should see the long term driving pattern and co-existence of different vehicles and personalities and pass the knowledge to the trainees/students. not just safety and short skirts.



3) women/men who only look into the mirror only to check their faces/makeup, pls use public transport.



4) road hoggers to pay high penalties or ban. they are the reasons for more gantries and crazy COEs.



5) pls dun compare with other countries... cant be a great nation if we can only copy/compare and modify. try revolutionalise.

Answer 89

In S'pore, driving is not easy at all because the roads are Iimited! I am a driver myself. I drive to work at times when I need to travel during work. Sometimes, driving on the roads can be fustrating as I tend to lost my way, overtake by an occasional car or kana horn by impatient drivers. Its not that my driving is lousy and road hog...It's those impatient drivers. Let says taxi drivers are the main culprits because they tanish our role of driving in S'pore. They are either impatient or lost their sense of awareness on the roads whereas they are always on the lookout of passengers on their left and therefore neglect their right directions! They prefer to let their alertness to be on passengers but do not care what other road users think of them. Some of the taxi drivers drive recklessly and let's look at the recent road accidents that cause grievious hurt to innocent policeman and road users. These are classic examples. Generally, taxi drivers have protray our image as S'pore drivers as a whole despite road hogging, unnecessary horning due to impatience, lost of concentration, personal problems (financially and mentally) and speeding unnecessary. If S'pore drivers can drive breezily without ERP, fines, summons, speed traps and considerate driving skills, then S'pore drivers will be freed from worries to all those above and will surely follow the road rules diligently right? LTA could implement rewards to all drivers through Petrol Kiosks when they visit to top up petrol such as giving out free stuffs easily, instead of using the top up petrol to gain points method and use the points to exchange for gifts. Ok S'pore you can set a better benchmark to the world that S'pore has its good way of driving on the limited roads.

Answer 90

I beg to differ with hellboy_phk. The reason why cars are expensive is to curb the amount of vehicle on the road. Singapore is small enough already, if you look at the roads, there are so many vehicles causing traffic congestion.

Answer 91

I give an Average to our Singapore drivers. We have drivers who are reckless & drivers who are cautious. I've seen drivers cutting into lanes without signalling their intention, smashed their cars onto another car or onto a tree. Sometimes I wonder whether those drivers really pass their driving test or they "smoke" their way through the test. I do really hope that drivers abide road rules & make it safe for other road users, be it motorcar drivers, motorcyclist or pedestrians. Those motorcar drivers: please signal your intention early so that other drivers can decide on what to do, same goes for the rest who are riding. Riders, please abide motorcycle rules, don't swarm in between cars & get yourselves into accident & becoz of your recklessness, others would have pay for what you have done whereby it's not their fault at all. Pedestrians, cross road with your eyes open. If you want to jaywalk, please do it cautiously or use the traffic light or overhead bridge. If you want to jaywalk, then be extra alert, if not, then don't expect others to stop for you coz you're jaywalking & it's illegal for you to do so. If everyone abides their rules, I guess road accidents in Singapore will be lesser.

Answer 92

Singaporean drivers cannot drive for nuts...I guess it is due to our hectic lifestyle and our "culture" of kiasuism and our character of impatience and bad-temperedness...

The first thing that came to my mind was to throw every Singaporean driver into a country where drivers are angels and get them to slowly change and see driving from another perspective...

But after thinking for a split second, I think we should change our inner-beings to be more tolerant to others on the road, to be more courteous and patient when driving and to SMILE....Think alot of drivers have a killer deadpan stressed look when they drive...

Don't think educational talks will help..it's all in the character...

Answer 93

Come on! We are all crammed in this island with a million cars! So? How about doing it like in Hawaii since we are just as hot, if not hotter. OK, they have this 'big peace' sign which they actually use a lot on the roads. There was this bus driver who carries a big hand-model showing his 'big peace'. You wanna turn? Show it to the other driver. An accident happened? Show it to the people involved - its like saying, "smile, make peace, move on". Err, we can show our little Merlions, cute faces or just wave in a nice way!!!!! It creates space in our heads in this damn small place...... Thankyou!

Answer 94

1) i think singapore drivers need to practise road courtesy...that is not to speed up when they see pedestrian crossing the road...i know...i am a pedestrian.

2) as for comparing singapore drivers to other drivers....they are too pampered...try driving in mumbai, india!!

Answer 95

1. Give signal when changing lanes

2. Give way & don't drive like you own the whole expressway

3. Drive off and not slow down just to view how bad the accidents

4. Be mature enough to accept people honking at you when you are in the wrong and not trying to be a bully, act like you are always right

5. Drive within your lane and not centre, nor here ot there

Answer 96

singapore drivers are pretty much the same as like those around the world... just because they have this little plastic card, they didn't think they have to obey the rules that their instructors once told them... what can be done is to send them for renewing driving tests every year or so to ensure their standards have not dropped to as low as those beginners in learning...

Answer 97

We are human after all sometimes we are force to drive a bit faster but doesn't mean that we are not a safe driver. My bad encounter with taxi drivers can force you to lose your temper and also those who last minute cut into your lane without signalling causing me to slam on my brakes. Putting more speed cameras will not deter them from speeding but encourages them to challenge other drivers to the camera and at the last minutes tapping on the brakes just to meet with the required speed. We should be wary of these types of drivers and try to discipline ourselves.

Answer 98

Man should be more patient. There are a lot of time man think themselves as superb driver but actually they are just not. Once i was reserving into a carpark lot and a car was so far behind me . The driver was a man who was some inconsiderate. He horn at me when coming near my car. From a distance he can see i was reserving and still horn at me when driving near to my car. Can't he just wait for me to reserved first then pass my car , so impatient for what rushing to toliet to make big business?

Answer 99

Have them to retake TP test again like say every 1 year or 2 year or so. Like NS reservist. If they are so good to pass the first 1.. why they cant pass the upcoming one?



If they never go for the test, they should be locked up or have their licence suspend for 1 month or maybe revoked. Fine will not be impose as thos who are rich one wun mind paying what...



See they still dare to anyhow drive their vehicles a not.

Answer 100

Make them attend classes on BASIC ROAD COURTESY!!!

Make them attend it at regular interval like reservist training after getting their driving licence. If they play truant then jail them for a month. Seriously they need it cos they think that just becos they are rich and own a car they rule the roads. Just the other day i was riding my motorbike on the PIE at around 7pm at the left most lane when this BLACK Mitsubishi Evo with NO HEADLIGHTS ON cuts in front of me without signalling! I had to jam brake and swerve to the road shoulder to avoid colliding with a container truck behind me!!!!! YOU TRYING TO KILL ME OR WHAT!!!!!!!!

Answer 101

Singapore drivers are generaly ok except a handful with following behaviours :

-change lane suddenly without signals giving u shocks..

-horn u if traffic light turn green & u dont drive off within 4sec.(be considerate..some cars still manual..need to engage gear n release clutch..)

-dont switch on head lights at night even at dim streets(i hate this most, is the battery so expensive to change?can afford? dont drive..)

-coming out from filter lane but dont switch on signal.(I always slow down to those who signal so that they can join the lane but those do not ? ha ha..u have to join after me.)

-driving at 85 but hogging the right lane(pls be reminded that other may be rushing for something urgent, even when i am maintaining at 95 but see someone behind at higher speed, I move to centre lane, who knows every sec counts to him/her?.)

-stop car by the side but no signals.



My suggestions :

1) Fast results : fine! fine! fine! and whoever 'graduated' with full 24 points.. its back to driving school again.

2) Long term :

Education : start from young gen..

--learn to be considerate,

--know what is not right to do even no one is watching, not do right things only when someone watching.

--be in others shoes, if u dont want others do something to u ,then dont do that same thing to him/her.

Answer 102

THIS IS NO WAY SINGAPOREANS CAN IMPROVE DRIVING.

Its the way we behave in this land. I get mocked by foreigners that Singapore's customer services is lousy, they won't spent a single cent. I think it is something to do with our culture over here that determine our attitude towards life. Someday in future if we can do well in customer services so is our driving courtesy...

Answer 103

Government always increase in ERP due to alot of traffic jam in expressway, in town. but singaporean they are rich enough to pay all this, so there will always be a traffic jam no matter how much the government increase. & sometime when you are doing parking, the car behind you start to be impatient, sometime they will even horn you for last then 30 seconds....

all driving centre should include a course for driver to be patient

Answer 104

Think traffic police should be in critical congestion areas during peak hours to ease the traffic everyday like some countries do. Not heavily rely on camera to catch. Instead should adopt a approach to ease by helping out during peak hours.I can keep tracking and catching. But at a personal level we do not see any police during peak hours at junction trying to ease traffic. Only when accidents happen then they appear.

Answer 105

Firstly to improve the road standards....Have overworked and tired workers off the road...and one good example is the taxi drivers,,,have them work only an eight hour shift...cause they dont seem to know that although they may not be involved in many accidents...but they can be the cause of many accidents.....

Answer 106

It all boils down to upbringing..or the lack of it.



Look at how Singaporeans drive, how Singaporean tour groups behave, how filthy most eating places are and how we Singaporeans treat the people around us.



No amount of public education can replace attitudes learned from a young age or worse, role modelled after their own parents.



Our fore fathers have it better, something was lost while we 'progressed'.

Answer 107

I didn't know why should taking so many times of driving tests and thoeries tests,like: Basic thoery, Advance thoery and Driving tests,I have passed the Basic and Advance thoeries tests at one time,but I didn't know how come couldn't pass a driving at one time,I failed 5 times for the tests since I was young of age.I have given up for the next driving test,Singapore has SMRTs, Buses and Taxies, very convenient for Sngaporean,why should we driving alone?

Answer 108

This is the age old question bugging Singaporeans.

It is the same as asking - how do we improve the standard

of rugby to world class minus the injuries, concussions, bruises, scratches,worried parents. Boils down to 1 thing,

balance carefully, test the boundary on how far we can go

without endangering life and property. Bear in mind testing this boundary is very risky........

Answer 109

build more race tracks so there would not be any street races. Teach students in driving centers to look out for traffic police at bridges and side roads. These are things that cause accidents to happen.

Answer 110

The steering wheel is the "Wheel of Devil". You may be a very nice, polite and patient guy giving advise to the driver to be like you WHEN you are in the passenger seat. Once you get yourself to handle the "Wheel of Devil", you may or may not noticed that you have a 180Deg change in personality! So it is important to learn "Self Control" and be a good self ALL THE TIME.

Answer 111

Singapore drivers have no experience in driving under the RAIN! It caused so much jam and accidents I do not understand!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think the driving center should have stricter test!

Answer 112

The answer I am giving u also applies to other areas of aggravation from the Singaporean. He has lost the virtue of mutual respect for fellow human beings. This I say, is due to upbringing faults, not just parent-children relationship but also government-people. So to improve, give n receive respect.

Answer 113

1. Open up some fast lanes in the North area with higher speed limit

2. Build new circuit for auto sport enthusiast

3. Tax break for automotive event purpose to encourage and attract new talents

Answer 114

my own personal experiance , drivers that are reckless or irresponsible, should be revoked of their license. as the age of driver gets younger, the accident rate shows a sharp increase. i am not saying older driver are better drivers, but look at the news these days , those that are involved in FATAL accidents are usually those in their 20s. they are too young , inexperiance but worse of all they are irresponsible. driver like the guy who caused the death of the car salesgirl , he think he can jus walk away from it all without having a bit of guilt in him. in my opinion he is the kind of person who sets as a bad example to all younger drivers. so to improve the standard , either get stricter laws on these drivers , or simply lift the age limit of drivers. maybe from 21 lift to 25 or above.

Answer 115

To solve this problem, we must immediately introduce the F1 racing to Singapore. I really hope i can't watch the 300km/h plus vehicle on our home ground soil. With Best Regard.

Answer 116

Mandatory retake of driving and highway code test annually, or when renewing car insurance. Good test results will be given "rebates" in the insurance premium, much like the one given by Traffic Police for being demerit-point free.

Answer 117

i think the government should start ration driving. the driver can take a break by other mean of transpotation. impatient is a sin for most singaporean.give reward to courteous driver and promote safe driving contest.

Answer 118

More Stringent Criteria for Driving Tests. MPV vehicles to undertake an additional negotiating tight corners & Bends course. (Additional New Course)

Answer 119

1. For new provisional (L) drivers, more stringent tests, both

theory and practical.

2. For current drivers, those committing traffic offences, to undergo compulsory "defensive driving" course.

3. Some of the punishments meted out by our courts are too lenient. For more deterrence to traffice offenders, impose

heavier punishments.

Answer 120

I have been driving for the past 16 years. I recalled the speed limit then was 50km/h for most range of cars regardless of its fuel tank capacity in the 80-90s. However, once we are into the 21st century, the speed limit now is 70km/h for highways on normal cruise; and in certain long stretch road, it is 90km/h. This seems to be perfectly okay. However, for the van/goods vehicles category, raising it to 70km/h from 50km/h is crazy. We are upping the risk factor for accidents. However, on the control side, this seems inevitable as performance enhancement and modification made to the car, make it more 'efficiency' on the road in terms of speed acceleration and manoeuvrability. On a deeper hindsight and serious pondering and reflection on current speed limit registration, it has fail in two assumption on the road/highways network we have here in Singapore. Advertisement on credit card and lifestyle often mislead the public that, they could speed as the advertisement would suggest on the edge of mountain cliff and spiralling countryside in western countries. In reality, with one of the highest population density in Singapore, our roads are not designed for speeding above 70km/h on normal roads and 90km/h on highways. Thus, with due interest of the new drivers safety in mind in future, I would like to see the LTA reduce the speed limit to 65km/h from 70km/h for cars and vans on normal roads and 85km/h from current 90km/h on highways such as ECP. For CTE, maybe to 75km/h from 80km/h. I believe, with this revision, it will reduce the likelihood of accidents. Though, reducing

may also means slower traffic and likelihood of jam. But, in all respect, it is better to be slower > less accidents; than, increasing it speed> faster>appease everyone - - but, you incur more likelihood of accidents. Due to insufficient reaction time. Implement it for 1-3 years to see if situation improve? I am sure it will. Alternatively, ban all TV advertisement that show a bigger ego of the speedster with beautifully ladies/girlfriends sitting next to the male driver. This will ground all drivers the reality of driving is to travel safely from point A to point B; and not speeding. For those bent on speeding, designate the F1 as an authorised racing circuit - - in which, these drivers will have to sign indemnity form; and be answerable to themselves. So that, they don't unknowingly or ignorantly risking precious pedestrians or safe drivers' life on heavy and tight Singapore road network.

Answer 121

I have lived in many countries in the world, also underdeveloped countries. Singaporeans are by far the most incompetent and selfish drivers i have come across. I can only say the two words my golf coach told me after my first lesson: GIVE UP !

Answer 122

There should be more consideration and more patience. We all already lead a fast paced hard life, still wanna blow a blood vessel on the road. Just relax and enjoy the ride la.

Answer 123

Just remember driving is to get from point A to B and you are not in the race track, so give way when another car is in trouble.

Answer 124

Oh my god~!! How i wish our traffic regulation able to increase the speed limit by around 10km/hr? perhap standard 100km/hr for cruising expressway will be great~~ my XKR 06' has been crusing sub-power for 5 whole months~ But the LED replaced traffic light had help me greatly. Yep, maybe for me just about the Speed Limitation. Cheerz.

Answer 125

Best is don't drive. I mean don't drive your own car and take public transport which is so convenient nowadays. Less traffic, less hassle right. More businesses to taxi drivers and less risk for pedestrian.

Answer 126

i personally think singaporean drivers are one of the worst in the world. they have no skills, even compared to the malaysians.. i have been around the world to see that! the drivers in spore think that they own the entire road! a little they start to honk. it's a pitty most of them have the money to afford good cars, but can't even drive!



from: a great driver..

Answer 127

Spore's pace of living is simply too fast. In fact, the fastest in the world right now :

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/070503/5/singapore273935.html



With so many people stressed out & rushing around, it is little wonder that road courtesy is lacking in Spore.

Answer 128

Recertify driving license every 3 years

Answer 129

During wet weather, keep a safe distance to the front and rear ..... if someone squeezes in, be cool, console yourself you are doing your best not to be involved in a chain collision and you will likely be successful with this objective. The guy who just squeezes in in front of you ... well, curse him if you have to, but without your curse, he is already going to be sorry about his action when his / her time comes .. everyday you go up the mountain, one day you will meet the tiger, ha, ha, ha.

Answer 130

BAN WOMEN DRIVERS! Or give them an exceptionally harder test to pass before they can play with the boys. If not, they are deemed as road hazards. Or, dedicate an entire lane just for them, such as the bus lane, and fine them if they use other lanes.

Answer 131

Singapore car driver need to be more courtesy and patience

Answer 132

The way we drive is a reflection of the way we live our lives. To solve that, we have to look at ways to slow down our pace in life and how we are educated to never to fall behind.

Answer 133

More traffic police patrol. If not enough police, introduce freelance traffic watcher scheme. Allow public to capture (photo or video) of traffic violators, send the evidence to authority, get paid/reward for such evidences.

Answer 134

To have more ERP to control the traffic. No COE to control the vehicles. to set test of 80% pass. Control point from 24 point every 2 years to 12 point every year. fail to system have too retest.

Answer 135

agreed with most of the ppl said. Singaporean CAR drivers is impatient, reckless, & inconsiderate. I will not say is fine not heavy enuf, is the mindset of ppl here.

i like Thailand's driving rules alot. their rules is..no matter who bang who..big 1 always in lose lose position. make a example: a man jay-walking & hit by a bicycle..the bicycle is in the wrong..haha..

Answer 136

I agree on the F1 thingy. Make it like a punishment. Place all the irresponsible drivers in a race track and let them race. Tell them if they die, there is no insurance converage. Tell them that they have to race till one of them dies. To make matter more interesting, place their families ard the track. Make their families run around to avoid getting run over. Make them suffer!!!!

Answer 137

Educate road users including drivers, motorcyclist, cyclist, pedestrian. Hidden speed trap or hidden traffic enforcers will only curb the problem temporarily...

Answer 138

Send them back for test driving and dont make it easy for them to pass in the first place. In that case they will treasure the license and drive with care and respect.

Answer 139

Car killer paradise! Cover up and Treason too! don't deny!



They are boo boo boo boo now at my living area 247 LOL~!

Police u want to know the car killer car nos plate, I can give u. LOL! 5th may 2007 time 1155hrs. haha



Car Killer Paradise! Those wish to write off the record, seek me now those will protect u for their crime in SG!

Answer 140

Increase the speed limits, and ban women from the roads.

Answer 141

Abolish the speed limit. This will reduce number of accidents/congestion/bad manners on the roads.

Answer 142

Honestly, it boils down to how cultured you are. Most Singaporeans are well educated but in general not cultured and graceful enough. To improve, Singaporeans need to be educated again...I guess.

Answer 143

Get every driver to cycle on the road to feel how's its like to be vulnerable!

Answer 144

Singaporeans love speeding.

Singaporeans really have bad driving habits. They love tailgating and often resulting in accidents.

Answer 145

Easy ! Remove ALL the cars ! As for rating, what is the lowest minus point I can give ?

Answer 146

Install speed gadget in every car,whereby the speed of every car is jus 80-100km/h max permanently!

Answer 147

Tolerancy,Understand bigger vehicles suchs as buses,Lorries movement.Less using of horn(Except to prevent accident),Don't violate basic rules suchs as parking inside/at bus stops.

Answer 148

more cameras on the roads, to capture and fine those who dun signal and drive recklessly endangering the lives of others.

Answer 149

It all started with the people. Be more tolerate. sometimes its hard to say, when you are too obeying with the rules, others might climb over your head, you never knows.

Answer 150

Remove the horn and remove the rules, people will learn to be more courtesy and rules bidding...

Answer 151

S'pore drivers are simply impatient, impatient n impatient......

Better ban all of them from driving n use only public transport!!!

Answer 152

IMPOse ERP throughout the island

Answer 153

Many - i seriously think that many drivers in sg CMI!!! almost every time i drive out, i will encounter some kind of ugly instances.



To me main prob is the lack of skills in most drivers. I've been to Taiwan and seen the way they drive... they are really WAY above our average standard! some ppl here still switch lanes without looking out for other road users...recently i saw this guy suddenly brake in front of me along the E'way because he went past his exit and tried to squeeze his way in along the chevron. (seriously i dunno why many ppl think that there isn't lack of skills among drivers in sg and instead point out at other issues)



almost every night i will notice at least 1 driver who will nv on headlights. i dun understand why ppl will not notice their unlit dashboard (only a few newer car makes will lit up dashboard once engine is started regardless of headlights). don't they need to check their speed every now and then? tried flashing at them and either they think u are trying to pick a fight, or just plain irritating and might even flash u back (w/o turning the light on still)



drivers here generally drives in their own world... nv look out for potential dangers such as the tell-tale signs of other drivers driving slowing down in front suddenly which might indicate that he/she is lost and gg to make some sharp turning soon. many other signs to show that other drivers are gg to make unusual actions and these drivers still drive closely behind without thinking about changing lanes in case.



they can also learn to look far ahead... often ppl dun change lane when they can and only when they are too near to obstacles ahead then they stop and cause traffic to slow down behind.



there are really ppl who are naturally bad drivers and shouldn't even consider taking a license at all. some people really cannot coordinate hands, legs and eyes at the same time! they cant feel the car and they cannot gauge the position of the car along a lane for example.



To answer the question: I seriously hope that the current driving test format be change in sg. i feel that it lacks 1 major factor - driving in real environment situations. we just drive ard out comfort zone near and ard the driving centres... and we still park with poles!!! come one man... real parking lots will pose problems for those newbies! alot of instructors teach with the "stickers" at the back window format... stupid isnt it? students are no longer taught to "feel" the car but look at indicators!!! alot of ppl i know still can park properly - both parallel and reverse - and these are the products of these bad seeds! of course not all are bad.... my dad's one good example :) i am not saying good things about him just because i am his son! (he is in this line since early 70's)



there are so many instances that i can name but it will take pages for me to list them all!

Answer 154

What can be done--not driving. Other than that- nothing. Altruism is not part of the Asian culture.

Answer 155

...There is no hope... people should simply not be allowed to own cars in Singapore, its for their own good lol.

Answer 156

己所不愉，勿施于人

Answer 157

Just ban all ladies from driving will do the trick :P

Answer 158

Double or triple the fines and penalties and we will all fall in line.

Answer 159

limit every car to 70kmph

Answer 160

HEY MR COLIN , HAVE U BEEN TO CHINA,JB .....? THINK U HAVE BEEN IN SINGAPORE ALL THIS WHILE

Answer 161

Ban women from driving.

Answer 162

definitely to ban womenfolk from our roads..

Answer 163

auto-pilot lah...

Answer 164

LOL