Motorists using their mobile devices when behind the wheel on the rise
03 Nov 2013|3,001 views
The number of motorists who are using their handphones while driving are on the rise, according to the local English daily. The Traffic Police has issued over 2,755 summonses for the offence, in just the first nine months of the year, compared to 1,893 summons over the same period in 2012.
Particularly there was a 61.5 percent increase in summons issued in the third quarter of the year, from the 1,705 summons issued up January to June.
"Using a mobile phone while driving affects a driver's ability to control his vehicle and to react to potential hazards on the roads. It makes the driver more vulnerable to accidents, posing a danger to himself and even other road users," a Traffic Police spokesman told the local paper.
Under the Road Traffic Act, first time phone-and-drive offenders can be fined up to $1,000, or jailed for up to six months, or both, while repeat offenders will be charged with up to double the penalty. Additionally all offenders will receive 12 demerit points while their mobile phones will be seized by the Traffic Police for investigations.
However, it is not an offence to use the mobile phone when the vehicle is stationary.
To tackle the problem, Samsung has launched a road safety campaign from mid-October - supported by the Traffic Police. More than 400 banners have been put up along more than 10 roads in Singapore to promote responsible use of mobile phones while driving. Samsung's 'The road comes first' campaign aims to drive home key messages, like - 'Drive. Don't text' and 'Drive. Don't call'.
Additionally, Samsung has launched a Facebook application, where it requests motorists to pledge not to use their mobile phones while driving. The firm is also planning to introduce an application called 'Eyes on the Road' to aid motorists turn off their mobile phones when they are behind the wheel.
"This 'always-on' mentality can mean that people use their smartphones at inappropriate times, such as when driving. As the mobile industry leader, Samsung is taking the responsibility to encourage drivers to put aside their phones while driving, and focus on the roads," said Ms Irene Samsung Asia's Vice President of marketing.
The number of motorists who are using their handphones while driving are on the rise, according to the local English daily. The Traffic Police has issued over 2,755 summonses for the offence, in just the first nine months of the year, compared to 1,893 summons over the same period in 2012.
Particularly there was a 61.5 percent increase in summons issued in the third quarter of the year, from the 1,705 summons issued up January to June.
"Using a mobile phone while driving affects a driver's ability to control his vehicle and to react to potential hazards on the roads. It makes the driver more vulnerable to accidents, posing a danger to himself and even other road users," a Traffic Police spokesman told the local paper.
Under the Road Traffic Act, first time phone-and-drive offenders can be fined up to $1,000, or jailed for up to six months, or both, while repeat offenders will be charged with up to double the penalty. Additionally all offenders will receive 12 demerit points while their mobile phones will be seized by the Traffic Police for investigations.
However, it is not an offence to use the mobile phone when the vehicle is stationary.
To tackle the problem, Samsung has launched a road safety campaign from mid-October - supported by the Traffic Police. More than 400 banners have been put up along more than 10 roads in Singapore to promote responsible use of mobile phones while driving. Samsung's 'The road comes first' campaign aims to drive home key messages, like - 'Drive. Don't text' and 'Drive. Don't call'.
Additionally, Samsung has launched a Facebook application, where it requests motorists to pledge not to use their mobile phones while driving. The firm is also planning to introduce an application called 'Eyes on the Road' to aid motorists turn off their mobile phones when they are behind the wheel.
"This 'always-on' mentality can mean that people use their smartphones at inappropriate times, such as when driving. As the mobile industry leader, Samsung is taking the responsibility to encourage drivers to put aside their phones while driving, and focus on the roads," said Ms Irene Samsung Asia's Vice President of marketing.
Latest COE Prices
February 2026 | 2nd BIDDING
NEXT TENDER: 04 Mar 2026
CAT A$106,501
CAT B$105,001
CAT C$74,999
CAT E$112,890
View Full Results 
Thank You For Your Subscription.
Tags
Products & Services
For Owners
Quick Links
About Sgcarmart
