ACCIDENTS AT ZEBRA AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL CROSSINGS

Dr Teo Ho Pin asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many accidents occurred at zebra and traffic signal pedestrian crossings in 1995, 1996 and 1997; (b) how many pedestrians were injured while using these crossings; and (c) what are the common causes of such accidents.

Mr Wong Kan Seng: 178, 175 and 204 accidents involving pedestrians crossing the road at zebra and signalised pedestrian crossings occurred in 1995, 1996 and 1997 respectively. 191, 197 and 217 pedestrians were killed or injured while using these crossings in 1995, 1996 and 1997 respectively.

In an accident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian, either the pedestrian or the motorist could be at fault. The common causes of accidents where the pedestrian is at fault include failure to comply with pedestrian crossing signals and suddenly stepping onto the crossing without checking or giving sufficient notice to motorists. The common causes of accidents where the motorist is at fault include failure to give way to pedestrians, failure to keep a proper lookout, and failure of turning vehicles to give way to pedestrians at the pedestrian crossing.