Car Stops at Double Yellow Line
What at first glance seemed to be a routine passenger drop-off quickly escalated into a collision between two vehicles.
A video forwarded to us captures a Toyota Prius dropping off passengers by a double yellow line without the use of appropriate hazard signals.
Screengrab from ROADS.sg / Facebook
Online commentators quickly highlighted the questionable actions of the Prius driver, suggesting these missteps led to an entirely preventable accident.
One comment observed, “Double yellow line still stops.” Following a review of LTA’s website, we clarified that halting on a road with a double yellow line is not illegal when solely for pick-ups or drop-offs.
Screengrab from ROADS.sg / Facebook
However, this doesn’t extend to roads delineated by double yellow zigzag lines.
Screengrab from LTA’s Website
The Necessity of Hazard Lights
Whilst the Prius driver’s actions might have been technically permissible, the incident offers several learning opportunities.
Foremost among these is the potential benefit of using hazard lights over merely the vehicle’s left indicators.
Screengrab from ROADS.sg / Facebook
While no explicit regulations dictate hazard light usage, the Automobile Association of Singapore encourages drivers to use them to signal to fellow road users about potential stoppages or breakdowns.
The Role of Passengers in Road Safety
Upon sharing the video on the ROADS.sg Facebook page, several users indicated that passengers, too, bear responsibility.
They could have chosen to exit using the rear right passenger door, which would have been away from oncoming traffic.
Screengrab from ROADS.sg / Facebook
While this is sage advice on busy roads, another user astutely noted that not all passengers possess keen road awareness.
They supplemented this by suggesting drivers shoulder the responsibility, either by choosing safer drop-off points or advising passengers to descend away from the flow of traffic.
Screengrab from ROADS.sg / Facebook
Was the Oncoming MPV Also at Fault?
While initial reactions might place blame squarely on the Prius’s occupants, the red MPV that collided with the rear door may not be entirely blameless.
Screengrab from ROADS.sg / Facebook
From the clip, it’s evident the red MPV did veer into the Prius’s lane before the crash.
Screengrab from ROADS.sg / Facebook
Shared Responsibility on the Roads
Regardless of where fault might lie in this incident, the essential takeaway is broader than assigning blame.
It’s a potent reminder for drivers – both those dropping off passengers and those navigating around stationary vehicles.
Drivers should consider advising passengers on safe exit strategies. After all, there’s a reason they are in the passenger seat.
Conversely, those on the road must remain vigilant, especially when nearing stationary vehicles, ensuring safety for all road users.
Have a story to share ?
Accidents occur frequently, but as responsible road users, we can collectively contribute to reducing their frequency.
If you or someone you know has a video or story to share, please do not hesitate to email us at writer@roads.sg
Together, we can all contribute to creating safer roads for everyone.
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