Post by : Shakul

A Singapore court has fined an 86-year-old driver the maximum penalty after a tragic pedal mix-up led to the deaths of two of his lifelong friends in a devastating accident. The case has drawn attention to road safety concerns, particularly involving elderly drivers.

The incident occurred on October 11, 2023, at a multi-storey car park entrance in Toa Payoh. The driver, Phua Chiew Tong, had been on a routine outing with his two friends, aged 76 and 83, with whom he had shared a friendship spanning more than five decades.

According to court findings, the car began rolling backwards as the passengers were exiting the vehicle. In an attempt to stop the vehicle, the driver mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. The sudden reverse acceleration caused the car to strike both men, knocking them down and running over them before crashing into a kerb and a pillar.

Both victims were rushed to hospital but succumbed to their injuries shortly after. Medical reports confirmed that the deaths were caused by severe blunt force trauma and multiple injuries.

The court imposed a fine of S$10,000 and disqualified the driver from holding or obtaining any driving licence for eight years. Prosecutors described the case as involving “exceptional circumstances” due to the fatal consequences of a momentary error.

The defence highlighted the driver’s advanced age, declining health, and the severe emotional impact of the incident, noting that he has been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder since the accident. The court considered these factors but maintained that accountability was necessary given the loss of life.

The case has sparked broader discussions in Singapore about elderly driver assessments, road safety awareness, and the importance of precautionary measures to prevent similar tragedies.

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