Road safety is more than rules; it is a shared responsibility that protects everyone on Singapore’s roads. Effective road design, strict enforcement, ongoing education, and inclusive mobility together uphold the fundamental right to safe travel for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. This article explores how these pillars contribute to safeguarding lives and fulfilling Singaporeans’ right to safety ahead of Human Rights Day.

Road safety in Singapore is a collective effort rooted in the principle that every individual has the right to a safe journey, whether behind the wheel, on a bicycle, or walking along the streets. This notion aligns closely with the spirit of Human Rights Day, reminding us that safety on the road is a fundamental right that the community and authorities must uphold together.

Designing Safer Roads

At the core of this effort is road design. Singapore’s urban planners and engineers work to create streets that anticipate risks and protect vulnerable users. Features like Silver Zones target areas with high pedestrian activity, especially for the elderly, using reduced speed limits, clearer signage, and road textures that slow vehicles down.

Intersection improvements include the installation of right-turn Red-Amber-Green arrow signals at hundreds of junctions to regulate vehicle flow and pedestrian crossings safely. In addition, the deployment of fixed-speed cameras across many locations in Singapore has increased to monitor and deter speeding effectively.

These cameras complement traffic signals by enforcing speed limits, which is critical because speeding contributes to many accidents. These infrastructure and enforcement steps are essential because safe roads mean fewer accidents, but they require vigilant upkeep and careful planning to adapt to the city’s growing population and changing transport needs.

Enforcement with Balance

Enforcement is the second critical pillar. The Singapore Traffic Police (TP) plays a strong role beyond just issuing fines. Laws are firmly enforced with technology such as speed cameras and red-light cameras, and penalties have been raised to curb dangerous behaviours like drink driving, which saw a 7% rise in cases in 2024.

The TP regularly conducts roadblocks and patrols, ensuring compliance with rules. But enforcement in Singapore also embraces transparency by publicising the locations of cameras and combining penalties with education. This balances deterrence with awareness, encouraging drivers to adjust their behaviour voluntarily.

Additionally, from January 1, 2026, demerit points and fines for speeding offences will increase significantly to reflect the severity of speeding and improve deterrence. For example, exceeding the speed limit by up to 20 km/h will incur six demerit points instead of four, and fines will rise by $50 to $100 depending on the offence. Higher excess speeds will face exponentially harsher penalties, including license suspension for accumulating 24 demerit points, aiming to tackle the rise in speeding-related accidents through stronger enforcement measures.

Education: Shaping Behaviours Early

Education rounds out this trio of responsibility. The TP’s “Use Your RoadSense” campaign, launched in 2015, aims to instil positive attitudes and responsible road use among all road users through public outreach and media. The campaign spans across TV, radio, print, social media, and community events, targeting everyone from new drivers to seasoned motorists and pedestrians. Educational efforts also focus on children via school games and programs that teach safe road crossing and awareness from a young age, ensuring that future generations grow up with a safety-first mindset.

Additionally, training institutions like the Bukit Batok Driving Centre and ComfortDelGro Driving Centre maintain high standards in driver education, combining practical lessons with simulator training to prepare learners for real-life scenarios. Refresher courses and safe driving workshops are also available from driving schools and AAS Academy to help all drivers maintain and improve their skills, reinforcing road safety as an ongoing commitment, not just a one-time test.

These courses are generally not compulsory for all drivers but are strongly encouraged for those who want to improve their skills or regain confidence after a break from driving. For professional drivers holding vocational licences, refresher courses are mandatory every six years for licence renewal. Drivers interested in refresher courses can sign up in person at any of Singapore’s three major driving schools—Bukit Batok Driving Centre, Singapore Safety Driving Centre, and ComfortDelGro Driving Centre. Detailed information and enrolment options can be found on their respective websites or by visiting the centres directly.

AAS Academy, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Automobile Association of Singapore, offers a range of professional driver training designed to improve skills, attitudes, and road safety awareness for all classes of drivers. It is the first and only accredited training institute by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Their courses include Defensive Driving, Driver Risk Management Mini Workshops, and Eco-Driving modules, which focus on safe, responsible driving habits under various road conditions. AAS Academy also provides an innovative Online Driver Training System that personalises learning based on individual risk assessments. Those interested can visit their website at or contact them at 6333 8811 for details and registration of face-to-face workshops and events.

Inclusive Mobility: Safety for All

Inclusivity is a vital part of Singapore’s road safety approach. The city’s strategy does not just cater to drivers but explicitly considers the safety of cyclists, pedestrians, and elderly users. Infrastructure such as dedicated cycling paths and pedestrian-friendly crossings supports this vision.

Engagement campaigns like the Singapore Ride Safe program promote safe practices among motorcyclists and cyclists, who are disproportionately affected by accidents. Silver Zones and other enhanced pedestrian safety measures show the intention to protect vulnerable groups, recognising that the right to safe roads must rightly extend to all users.

In essence, Singapore’s road safety culture is built on shared responsibility. While authorities enforce the rules and provide safer infrastructure, every road user must also play a part. Drivers need to stay alert and respectful; cyclists and pedestrians must follow safety guidelines. This multifaceted approach respects the right to safe mobility as a public trust and responsibility.

From Human Rights to Road Rights

Human Rights Day on 10 December offers a timely reminder that safety on the roads is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. Singapore’s blend of thoughtful road design, robust enforcement, comprehensive education, and inclusive mobility policies represents how a city can uphold that right practically. By continuing to invest in these pillars, Singapore strives to ensure that each citizen, whether behind the wheel, on foot, or pedal, can expect to reach their destination safely.