Response to "Hit-and-run accident at Outram"
Url: http://www.todayonline.com/articles/187480.asp
Article can also be found in The Straits Times, Wednesday, 9 May 2007, under the title "Motorist pursues car, notes licence plate number", in the Home section.
This article is about how a businessman contributed to the capture of another hit-and-run motorist. Mr Hoo witnessed an fatal accident along Outram Road one evening and was shocked to see the driver speeding away from the accident area. He knew the licence plate number of the car and so informed the Traffic Police, which arrested the suspect under the suspicion of drink driving. The victim of the accident, a 29-year-old nightclub worker of Chinese nationality, died 10 minutes after the accident.
Road accidents are unpleasant events which result because of carelessness from a pedestrian or driver. Injuries and death often follow, but hit-and-run accidents are far worse because it underlines the irresponsibility of the motorists. Instead of pulling over to aid the victim, they floor the gas pedal and blow past without a second glance. I believe that this sort of response stems from the panic and shock from knocking down a person. First there would be the awful realization, then panic as the driver tries to rationalize his actions. He would reassure himself that the accident was not intentional, and that the victim was not in much danger, though sadly it is usually not the case for the latter. Then, he would speed off, hoping that no one saw the accident. Under those circumstances, running away might seem rational to the drivers.
Injuring or killing a fellow human being is a crime, even in a road accident. Our government is especially stringent in its law enforcement, and with good reason as there are already 91 hit-and-run cases in the first quarter of the year. The main reason for these accidents is the consumption of alcohol before driving. Alcohol impairs the body's senses if taken in large amounts, and a drunk person poses a serious danger to pedestrians if he drives. I feel that the government has done its part in controlling the 'drink-driving' situation, through notices and fines. However, many people continue to drive, even after all these deterrents. 914 people were apprehended for drink-driving in three months alone.
I feel that drink-driving is really irresponsible of a driver. Knowing that driving after drinking alcohol poses a real threat to the community, the driver disregards the rules and goes ahead with driving. Although there might be unseen difficulties for the driver, he still has a responsibility; if not for the public, then for his family. How would his family feel if he was put to prison for killing someone, and then driving away from the crime scene? I feel that the alcohol limit for a person to be driving should be lowered, and the fines should be more lenient. If drivers have an alcohol level just below the limit, and they get involved in accidents, it makes no difference.
In conclusion, I admit that as a child, it is quite difficult for me to understand the way adults' minds work. Perhaps the drunk drivers had a good intention to go against the law. In any case, to prevent accidents, both pedestrians and motorists should remain vigilant.
Article can also be found in The Straits Times, Wednesday, 9 May 2007, under the title "Motorist pursues car, notes licence plate number", in the Home section.
This article is about how a businessman contributed to the capture of another hit-and-run motorist. Mr Hoo witnessed an fatal accident along Outram Road one evening and was shocked to see the driver speeding away from the accident area. He knew the licence plate number of the car and so informed the Traffic Police, which arrested the suspect under the suspicion of drink driving. The victim of the accident, a 29-year-old nightclub worker of Chinese nationality, died 10 minutes after the accident.
Road accidents are unpleasant events which result because of carelessness from a pedestrian or driver. Injuries and death often follow, but hit-and-run accidents are far worse because it underlines the irresponsibility of the motorists. Instead of pulling over to aid the victim, they floor the gas pedal and blow past without a second glance. I believe that this sort of response stems from the panic and shock from knocking down a person. First there would be the awful realization, then panic as the driver tries to rationalize his actions. He would reassure himself that the accident was not intentional, and that the victim was not in much danger, though sadly it is usually not the case for the latter. Then, he would speed off, hoping that no one saw the accident. Under those circumstances, running away might seem rational to the drivers.
Injuring or killing a fellow human being is a crime, even in a road accident. Our government is especially stringent in its law enforcement, and with good reason as there are already 91 hit-and-run cases in the first quarter of the year. The main reason for these accidents is the consumption of alcohol before driving. Alcohol impairs the body's senses if taken in large amounts, and a drunk person poses a serious danger to pedestrians if he drives. I feel that the government has done its part in controlling the 'drink-driving' situation, through notices and fines. However, many people continue to drive, even after all these deterrents. 914 people were apprehended for drink-driving in three months alone.
I feel that drink-driving is really irresponsible of a driver. Knowing that driving after drinking alcohol poses a real threat to the community, the driver disregards the rules and goes ahead with driving. Although there might be unseen difficulties for the driver, he still has a responsibility; if not for the public, then for his family. How would his family feel if he was put to prison for killing someone, and then driving away from the crime scene? I feel that the alcohol limit for a person to be driving should be lowered, and the fines should be more lenient. If drivers have an alcohol level just below the limit, and they get involved in accidents, it makes no difference.
In conclusion, I admit that as a child, it is quite difficult for me to understand the way adults' minds work. Perhaps the drunk drivers had a good intention to go against the law. In any case, to prevent accidents, both pedestrians and motorists should remain vigilant.
posted by link at 3:19 PM
1 Comments:
quite a lot of repetition of what is stated in the article.
simplistic conclusion on limitations!
"In conclusion, I admit that as a child, it is quite difficult for me to understand the way adults' minds work. Perhaps the drunk drivers had a good intention to go against the law. In any case, to prevent accidents, both pedestrians and motorists should remain vigilant."
Could talk about WHY such irresponsible behavior exists in society, and perhaps suggest alternatives on what kind of campaigns could be used for drink-driving.
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