Traffic deaths, injuries hit five-year high; speeding offences up by 64.8%

The spike in fatalities was matched by a sharp rise in motorists caught speeding

- Christine Tan

The number of people killed and injured in traffic accidents hit a five-year high in 2024, with speeding contributing to one in three fatal crashes.

The spike in fatalities was matched by a sharp rise in motorists caught speeding, according to figures released by the Traffic Police (TP) on Feb 21.

TP said there appeared to be a lack of regard for rules among motorists, noting a 64.8 per cent jump in speeding violations in 2024 compared with the previous year.

About one in 10 of the speeding violations was detected by red-light cameras. TP activated the speed-enforcement functions in such cameras in April 2024.

In total, traffic enforcement cameras caught 100,720 speeding violations in 2024, more than double the number in 2023. More motorists were also caught speeding in police enforcement operations.

TP said motorists are aware of the presence of cameras and police operations.

They pointed out that red-light cameras with speed enforcement functions are conspicuously painted in orange and white, with clear warning signs, and their locations are available online.

"This suggests an attitudinal issue and lack of regard for speed compliance among motorists," said TP.

Senior Assistant Commissioner (SAC) Daniel Tan, the commander of TP, said: "It's a bleak situation. We're definitely concerned. In terms of accidents, injuries and fatal accidents, numbers have gone up.

"Despite the increased enforcement efforts by TP, we still see a general lack of speed compliance."

TP figures showed 142 people died in accidents in 2024, up from 136 deaths the previous year.