PMA user cuts diagonally across Sengkang road junction causing oncoming traffic to slow down

A personal mobility aid (PMA) user was seen crossing a traffic junction diagonally at Sengkang East Road and Sengkang Square on more than one occasion.

Footage of her crossing the junction in her motorised wheelchair was uploaded to the SG Road Vigilante Facebook group on Sep. 24.

A previous video of her cutting across the road in a similar fashion was uploaded on Sep. 23.

The crossing

One video taken from the dashcam of a vehicle showed the woman in the motorised wheelchair having inched her way onto the road, even though she did not have the right of way at that time.

Another video showed the woman crossing the road while the pedestrian traffic light was still red.

Vehicles had to slow or stop for her.

She then started riding diagonally in the direction of Kopitiam Square.

She was captured doing the same at the same junction on at least two other occasions, while vehicles drove past her.

Her antics were apparently common and well-known enough for others in the area to take notice, to the extent that they have started to film her.

Spotted often in Sengkang

Some commenters also wrote that they recognised her.

While most criticised her for her lack of regard for other road users, others pointed out that those who encountered her should be helping her.

Some commenters also shared personal experiences with the lady, with one saying that they had previously cautioned her but she did not heed their advice.

Family unable to stop her

A Shin Min Daily News reporter spoke to the woman's son-in-law, surnamed Chen, 66, who acknowledged that his mother-in-law's behaviour was dangerous.

He noted that the woman is 73 years old and has difficulties hearing and speaking.

Despite the family's attempts to dissuade her from riding her PMA recklessly, their efforts have reportedly been unsuccessful.

The woman had worked as a cleaner at a coffee shop until her retirement about six years ago, it was reported.

Chen mentioned that she had always used bicycles until two years ago when she switched to the PMA due to weakness in her legs and feet.

She typically goes to the coffee shop across the street to dine.

Chen added that she has had to call the police for assistance several times because her PMA ran out of power.

Shin Min also spoke to Zhang, who works in a nearby store.

Zhang said they have grown accustomed to the elderly woman's behaviour but are concerned that her stubbornness could harm her and others.

Zhang explained that the woman goes out at fixed times every morning, noon, and evening to buy food or move about:

"She used to go around like this when she was riding a bicycle, and she does the same thing now when riding a PMA. Sometimes even if the vehicle honks, she is not afraid at all."

Residents respond

Other residents interviewed by Shin Min expressed awareness of the woman's dangerous behaviour.

One resident stated that the elderly woman's reckless use of the PMA on the road is irresponsible and poses a risk to both her safety and that of other road users.

Another interviewee mentioned that he had attempted to talk to the woman and persuade her to obey traffic rules, but after receiving no response, he felt he had to give up.

Some residents said they are still willing to lend a helping hand to the elderly woman when needed, such as assisting her in and out of the elevator.

Top photos from SG Road Vigilante