“Last weekend, the Traffic Police (TP) conducted an islandwide operation against drink-driving, resulting in 12 motorists being arrested for various offences,” according to the raw data extracted from Must Share News. The operation involved setting up roadblocks on expressways, marking the first time in more than 10 years. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) mentioned in a press release on Wednesday (25 Dec) that during the crackdown from 20 Dec to 21 Dec, 74 motorists were stopped and tested for alcohol intake.
“10 men and a woman, aged between 31 and 58, failed their breathalyser tests and were subsequently arrested,” the data detailed. The highest Breath Evidential Analyser test result observed was 60 microgrammes (mg) of alcohol per 100 millilitres (ml) of breath, almost double the prescribed legal limit of 35mg per 100ml.
TP explained that while Singaporeans might be accustomed to seeing roadblocks on arterial roads, they can also be placed in other locations and terrains, including expressways. Superintendent of Police Lian Weixiong, who heads TP’s Research, Planning, and Organisational Development Branch, emphasized the TP’s “zero tolerance” for drink-driving, stating, “Drunk drivers don’t just break the law, they shatter lives and tear families apart.”
According to TP, the number of drink-driving accidents has been increasing. In 2022, there were 175 such accidents, which rose to 180 in 2023, the highest figure since 2014. From January to October 2024, 142 drink-driving accidents were recorded, out of which 10 were fatal. TP urged all motorists to make responsible choices to keep the roads safe, especially during year-end festivities.
As TP aims to intensify enforcement measures against drink-driving to send a strong message to potential offenders, roadblocks were set up on the Central Expressway (CTE) and Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE). This raised concerns among netizens, reporting massive jams lasting for hours.
TP officers are expected to be vigilant during the year-end to drive home the message: “If you drink, don’t drive.” The enforcement of drink-driving laws remains a top priority for the Traffic Police in ensuring road safety.
