PHV driver runs red light that was on for 7 seconds, hits motorcyclist and car in fatal crash
A private-hire car driver ran a traffic light in Geylang, which had turned red for seven seconds, crashing into a motorcycle and a car and causing the rider's death.
The accident occurred at about 11.40pm on March 26, 2024, along Changi Road towards Geylang Road.
The accused, 46-year-old Mo Zhangyu (transliterated), was a private-hire driver at the time. She faced two charges of careless driving, and pleaded guilty to one of them on Feb 10.
According to a report by Shin Min Daily News, the accused began work at about 6pm on March 26, 2024. After dropping off a passenger near Chai Chee, she planned to head to Geylang to look for customers.
At around 11.40pm, she was driving in the third lane along Changi Road towards Geylang Road. As she approached the intersection of Changi Road and Jalan Eunos, she failed to notice that the traffic light had turned red.
The traffic light had reportedly been red for seven seconds when the driver crossed the stop line and collided with a motorcycle, which was traveling along Jalan Eunos with the right of way.
The 38-year-old Malaysian rider sustained serious injuries and was taken to Changi General hospital.
However, the motorcyclist's condition did not improve even after undergoing surgery and medical treatment. By April 13, 2024, doctors assessed that he had suffered severe brain injuries and was likely to remain in a vegetative state.
The family decided to withdraw life support the next day, and he died at 3.50pm that afternoon.
Defence cites unfamiliarity with road
The defence argued that festive lights were installed along the road at the time, and the accused was unfamiliar with the area, causing her to miss the red light.
Pointing out that the accused was not driving under the infleunce of alcohol or drugs, the defence asked for a jail term of not more than six months.
However, the prosecution pointed out that the accused failed to notice that the traffic light had turned red for seven seconds, braking only after hitting the motorcyclist.
The prosecution added that the accused also hit a car when she ran the red light, injuring the driver.
The prosecution urged the court to impose a jail term of eight to 11 months and to disqualify the accused from holding all classes of driving licences for eight years.
The case has been adjourned to Feb 27 for sentencing.
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