In a startling incident that took place on September 30, 2023, a 48-year-old man, after having drinks at a friend’s home in Punggol, ended up driving his car in the opposite direction of traffic and collided with a ComfortDelGro taxi. The accident led to significant damages and eventually, on August 5, 2024, the driver was handed an 18-week jail sentence and a five-year suspension of his driving license.
The events unfolded after midnight when Yong Yau Liang indulged in wine and beer before deciding to drive home past 2 am. On his way, Yong lost consciousness due to fatigue and navigated his car into the oncoming traffic lane along Hougang Avenue 3 towards Hougang Avenue 2.
A taxi, maneuvering correctly along the road, found Yong’s car heading straight for it around 2:30 am. Despite the taxi driver’s efforts to avoid the impending crash, Yong’s vehicle collided with the taxi, causing it to spin by 90 degrees and tearing off parts of its doors. Remarkably, Yong resumed driving in the wrong direction even after jolting awake from the collision, only stopping his car further up the road.
The accident prompted a swift response from passersby who called the police. Upon their arrival, officers noted signs of intoxication in Yong, including reddened eyes and an alcoholic odor. A breathalyzer test showed his alcohol level barely over the legal limit. Yong later confessed to having no recollection of driving on the wrong side.
The physical aftermath saw the taxi driver rushed to Changi General Hospital with a minor rib fracture and subsequently awarded 17 days of medical leave. The financial toll was substantial, with ComfortDelGro facing over S$14,000 in losses, encompassing repairs and lost rental income. The taxi driver also suffered a loss of S$1,360 in earnings.
