A super-aged Singapore needs traffic regulations for more than bad drivers

Singapore’s road safety rules should go beyond punishing bad drivers, argues Zach Lee, IPUR Research Fellow, as the city-state faces the twin pressures of an ageing population and growing vehicle automation. The commentary said tougher penalties make sense for deliberate offences such as drink-driving and using a phone while driving, but are less useful for risks tied to ageing or machine-assisted transport.

The article argued that older residents should not be treated as unsafe simply because they are older, and instead should be supported with safer infrastructure, slower roads and capability-based licence checks. It pointed to measures such as Silver Zones and longer crossing times as examples of how the system can help seniors stay mobile while reducing danger on the roads.

On automation, Zach said responsibility must clearly follow the driving task, whether it sits with the vehicle, a remote operator or a safety officer. It warned that partially automated vehicles can still place heavy demands on human attention, while fully automated systems can restore mobility only if accountability is clearly defined.