Proposed changes to traffic rules send the wrong signal to road users: Forum

The proposed changes to traffic rules to prevent some offenders from being “overly punished” are inappropriate, unwise and lack empathy for the victims (Proposed changes to traffic rules to prevent some offenders from being overly punished, Nov 11), particularly the one on the removal of mandatory minimum sentences for first-time offenders who commit dangerous driving offences that cause grievous hurt or death.

I believe the aim of the sentences is not just to punish offenders, but also to act as a deterrence to potential offenders who will hopefully understand the serious consequences of dangerous driving.

The proposed changes are giving out the wrong signal to all road users, especially drivers, that there is a possibility of going scot-free if they are first-time offenders.

There is never a situation of offenders being “overly punished” as they are well aware of the potential catastrophic harm they may cause to all road users.

The victims in an accident include family members who may need to provide long-term care for the seriously injured, which can impact their own lives. The grief can also persist for those who have lost family members prematurely in an accident.

Injury or death of the victim must be the foremost consideration in sentencing.

We owe it to the victims of motorists who commit dangerous driving offences, and their families, to give them closure.

Foo Sing Kheng

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