More deaths on roads last year

More deaths on roads last year
By Saifulbahri Ismail | Posted: 27 January 2011 1740 hrs

SINGAPORE : The Traffic Police said there were more deaths on the roads last year, with fatal accidents totalling 190 in 2010, up 10 per cent from 2009.

In its annual road and traffic report released on Thursday, the Traffic Police said motorcyclists and pillion riders continue to be the most vulnerable group of road users.

They accounted for about 45 per cent of all fatalities last year.

There was also an increase in deaths among elderly pedestrians. Among the 55 pedestrians who died on the roads last year, about half were aged 60 and above.

But overall, the fatal and injury accident rate last year saw an improvement over 2009.

It was 91.93 out of a 10,000 vehicle population - the second lowest in the past five years, the Traffic Police said.

Commenting on the road traffic statistics released by the Traffic Police on Thursday, the Singapore Road Safety Council (SRSC) has urged all users to be careful and patient when using the roads.

SRSC chairman Bernard Tay said all users have a role to play in making Singapore's roads safe.

As motorcyclists, pillion riders and elderly pedestrians continue to be the most vulnerable groups of road users, the council feels that concerted efforts are needed to help keep them safe.

Mr Tay said the council will continue to do its part in educating road users to make road safety an integral part of their life.

It will also continue to work closely with the authorities and relevant agencies and partners to make the roads safer for all users.

- CNA/al

- wong chee tat :)