Three innocent victims in hit-and-run accidents in less than three days, this sounds as a serious wake-up call for us. From 1st January 2012 to the end of June 2015, 652 vehicles are reported to have failed to stop after a collision with either another vehicle or a pedestrian. Comparatively, Singapore counts 424 such cases from 1st January 2012 to the end of 2014, while it counts twice as much vehicles and five times more  road users than us.

The toughening of laws can certainly contribute to decrease hit-and-runs but it is not a stand-alone solution. In France, for instance, this type of violation, accounting for 23% of total road traffic offences, is on the rise despite strong penalties. These range from cancellation of driving license and loss of six penalty points, up to 100,000 and seven year imprisonment in case of involuntary homicide, while in Singapore, the sentence ranges from a fine of up to USD 3,000 to two years’ jail and USD 5,000 fine.

Some French observers believe that drivers under the influence of alcohol or not in possession of a driving license might fail to stop should they get involved in an accident. The fear of the law might be encouraging further disrespect of law! Which is quite contradictory. Others simply believe that some drivers don’t fear penalties because they simply think they might escape!

As far as we are concerned, the toughening of laws are most welcome but it should also come along with stronger sanctions against assaults and riots following road accidents. Many drivers fail to stop for fear of same.

Additionally, drivers should not have the feeling that they might escape from the penalties. Moreover and most importantly, there is an urgent need for a change in mentality. Displaying dependable mutual caring and empathy form part of the duty of a citizen. This is not only valid for hit-and-runs but for all other accidents.

Driving with due care and attention is a civic and humane duty. Are compulsory military and civic services contributing to influence the road users’ attitude towards his fellow road users on Singaporean roads?