Private-Hire Driver Jailed for Reckless Behavior After Causing Collision at Taxi Stand

In December 2023, Aiden Ang Wee Hao, a part-time private-hire driver, faced legal repercussions after he caused an accident at a taxi stand in Orchard Road, Singapore. The incident unfolded on December 8, around 9:20 PM, when Ang dropped off four passengers at The Centrepoint. Upon exiting his vehicle to check its condition, he forgot to put the gear in "park" or engage the handbrake, which led to his grey Mazda rolling forward and colliding with a black Toyota Sienta driven by Mr. Yap Chee Hian, a 61-year-old full-time private-hire driver who was also at the stand to pick up passengers.

Following the collision, both drivers had a civil conversation about insurance claims without resorting to any aggressive language or threats. However, after Ang stepped back into his car and attempted to leave the scene, a series of confrontational events occurred. Mr. Yap tried to get Ang's attention by tapping on his windscreen and attempted to discuss the situation further. When Ang started to reverse, Mr. Yap tapped on the bonnet to stop him, but Ang abruptly accelerated, moving towards Yap.

As Yap positioned himself in front of Ang's vehicle, he attempted to continue the conversation, but Ang inched forward despite the clear positioning of Yap in front of him. In a reckless display, Ang accelerated towards Yap, ultimately hitting his leg and causing him to fall. The impact resulted in minor injuries for Mr. Yap, who was later treated at a hospital.

The court details revealed that Ang's actions were characterized by a high level of recklessness, demonstrating a pattern of aggressive driving. Despite pleading guilty, the prosecution highlighted that Ang displayed a disregard for Yap's safety and failed to exchange contact details after the initial collision. The actions of Ang were deemed dangerously rash, earning him a two-week prison sentence and a one-year driving ban, reflecting the serious nature of the offense.