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The number of drink-driving cases in 2022 is on the rise, with more incidents leading to injuries and deaths and more being arrested.
Drink-driving on the rise in 2022
There were 118 drink-driving incidents resulting to injuries and deaths in the first nine months of 2022, which is 14 more than the same time period in 2021.
The number of offenders apprehended for drink-driving also increased by 161 from 1,088 in the first nine months of 2021 to 1,249 during the same time period in 2022.
However, these figures were lower than those recorded in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Drink or Drive, You Decide"
The Minister of State for National Development and Home Affairs, Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, revealed this data when he launched the Anti-Drink Drive Campaign 2022 on Dec. 22.
The campaign is jointly organised by the Traffic Police (TP) and the Singapore Road Safety Council (SRSC) and was launched at Ten Square, Landmark of Good, according to a Dec. 24 Singapore Police Force news release.
This year's tagline is "Drink or Drive, You Decide", which reminds motorists to pick only one of to two options and not to drive if they intend to drink during the year-end festivities.
Drink-driving is like playing with fire and has grave consequences
During his speech, Faishal said it is an annual campaign that hopes to educate the public about the dangers of drink driving, and remind road users to drink responsibly.
He added that consuming alcohol slows down one's brain and impairs their judgement, adding that even a small amount of alcohol can sharply increase the likelihood of getting into an accident.
Those who decide to drink after a few drinks are playing with fire, the minister of state said, as they not only endanger their lives, but also that of all other road users and can potentially lead to grave and lifelong consequences.
"Drink-driving is an irresponsible act with grave repercussions."
Everyone has a part to play to prevent drink-driving
Saying that every accident is one too many, Faishal said that drink-driving is absolutely preventable where everyone has a part to play.
He urged all drivers to exercise personal responsibility and to either drink or drive, and to consider using alternative forms of transport, such as hiring a valet service or taking public transport, should they decide to drink.
Non-drivers can also do their part by reminding their friends to avoid drinking and then driving, Faishal added.
Meanwhile, the TP will continue to keep a close eye on the drink-driving situation in Singapore.
Top image courtesy of Singapore Police Force