We all understand the frustration that comes from being stuck in heavy traffic, particularly during the morning rush when we’re often in a hurry to get to work.
Observing the smooth flow in a different lane can be tempting, often leading us to consider switching lanes.
This is precisely what happened to a driver on a bustling Thursday morning along the KPE(PIE) after the Choa Chu Kang Exit.
Unfortunately, as the driver moved from lane 2 to the outermost lane, a lane-splitting rider collided with the rear of the car.
We sincerely hope for a speedy recovery for the injured rider.
Was the signal indicator used ?
In the event of such a lane-changing accident, the first question that often arises is whether or not signal indicators were used.
From the brief video clip provided to us, we cannot definitively ascertain if the car’s signal indicators were engaged.
Several netizens have expressed their concerns, commenting that the driver of the white car didn’t seem to use the right turn signal when changing lanes. One netizen noted, “The car sudden kept right, I cannot see his right blinking light,” while another queried, “Car no signal?”
Screenshot from ROADS.sg Facebook Page
Screenshot from ROADS.sg Facebook Page
Upon closely examining the initial segment of the video, blinking lights can be observed on the right rear end of the car, which could potentially be the signal indicator.
However, due to the blurry quality of the clip and an overlapping frame of the motorcycle with the car’s right rear, it remains uncertain whether the driver signaled their intention prior to changing lanes.
Screengrab from Video / Facebook
Screengrab from Video / Facebook
Rider could have been a blind spot for the driver ; driver should have checked prior to lane change
While the rider was lane-splitting across the two lanes, it’s possible that the driver encountered a blind spot in this situation.
Nevertheless, several netizens have questioned why the driver did not check his blind spot before making such an abrupt lane change.
A comment that gained considerable attention suggested that drivers often make assumptions without properly checking, which could potentially lead to accidents like this one.
Screenshot from ROADS.sg Facebook Page
Another comment emphasized the importance of using the mirrors.
Screenshot from ROADS.sg Facebook Page
Rider might have lane split dangerously
While most comments seemed to criticize the driver for their dangerous attempt at changing lanes, a few netizens offered a different perspective.
As we may often observe on the roads, lane splitting occurs when a rider maneuvers between lanes rather than adhering to a single lane.
This approach undeniably has benefits: for instance, it allows riders to bypass traffic jams by continuing to move even when larger vehicles are stopped or traveling at a significantly slower pace.
However, this practice also introduces risks to road users, especially when vehicles make abrupt lane changes, as seen in the video.
Dangers of lane splitting a prevailing concern
The dangers associated with lane splitting by riders remains a prominent topic of discussion.
In a 2020 media report from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Member of Parliament Mr. Melvin Yong Yik Chye raised several questions about lane splitting.
One of particular interest was, “whether the Traffic Police has any plans to raise awareness about the dangers of lane splitting” (MHA Website).
In response, Mr. K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law, highlighted the role of all road users in ensuring road safety.
His response included a statement encouraging motorcyclists to practice defensive riding and avoid weaving in and out of traffic.
For drivers, the advice was clear: they should “regularly check their blind spots and especially so when intending to change lanes”.
Ministry of Home Affairs, 2020
In addition, some comments underscored a belief that lane splitting should be discouraged.
This sentiment was supported by another netizen who shared his personal experience and recounted an accident he encountered while lane splitting.
Screenshot from ROADS.sg Facebook Page
Have a story to share ?
Be it an incident that you encountered on the road or any motoring stories you might have, reach out to us at alerts@roads.sg.
