Singapore Man Sentenced to 22 Weeks' Jail for Fatal Careless Driving Incident

A 42-year-old driver named Ang Yixian has been sentenced to 22 weeks in prison for his role in a deadly traffic incident on the Bukit Timah Expressway. He also faces a mandatory driving ban of eight years, which will begin once he completes his jail term. Ang pleaded guilty to carelessly driving without regard for other road users, while another similar charge was considered during sentencing.

The tragic event unfolded at around 9:45 am on November 6, 2023, when Ang was driving in the third lane of the expressway, heading towards the Pan Island Expressway. The motorcycle, operated by a 24-year-old man with a pillion rider, was located in the adjacent second lane. Investigators revealed that the motorcycle had been visible to Ang for several seconds before he switched lanes without signaling and collided with it.

As a result of the crash, the motorcyclist and his ride were thrown from their vehicle. Ang managed to avoid hitting another motorcycle shortly before the accident. Following the collision, Ang halted his vehicle and contacted emergency services. The motorcyclist underwent emergency brain surgery but tragically succumbed to his injuries three days later.

During court proceedings, the prosecution argued that Ang had displayed a significant period of inattention, emphasizing that he could have seen the motorcycle and adjusted his actions accordingly. They presented the case as particularly grave due to the accident's location on an expressway, where the risk of harm was elevated. The defense, on the other hand, requested a lighter sentence, noting that Ang was not speeding or erratic in his driving behavior.

The presiding judge highlighted the loss of life in the circumstances of the accident and asserted that the sentence should convey a strong message about the unacceptability of such careless driving. He recognized the essential elements of careless driving in the case but did not fully agree with the prosecution's arguments regarding aggravating factors. Under the law, the penalties for causing death through careless driving can include imprisonment for up to three years and fines reaching S$10,000, or both.