In a tragic turn of events, a taxi driver’s lapse in judgment, attributed to fatigue, led to severe consequences. Ong Boon Leong, a 64-year-old taxi driver, was sentenced to two months in jail on December 18th for causing grievous harm by driving without due care and attention. This incident, which took place on September 14th, 2022, highlights the dire risks of fatigue-induced driving errors.
Long Hours Lead to Tragic Accident
Ong’s long shift, which began at 2.30pm and was set to end at 1.15am the next day, extended beyond his scheduled hours. Despite the long duration behind the wheel, Ong continued driving shortly before 2 am. It was during this time that he, overwhelmed by exhaustion, nodded off while driving along Queensway towards Portsdown Avenue. His taxi then collided with Mr. Madhavan Naveen Kumar, a 25-year-old road worker, who was engaged in road works at the time.
Severe Injuries and Legal Consequences
The collision resulted in Mr. Madhavan sustaining critical injuries, including a skull fracture and brain hemorrhage. He spent 14 days in the hospital and required over 100 days of medical leave for recovery. In response to the incident, the court handed down a two-month jail sentence to Ong and also disqualified him from holding or obtaining any driving licenses for five years following his release.
A Warning Against Fatigued Driving
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving while fatigued. The Automobile Association of Singapore cautions drivers to recognize the signs of fatigue and the importance of taking rest to prevent such unfortunate occurrences. Ong’s case is a harrowing example of how extended working hours and inadequate rest can lead to severe, life-altering consequences, not just for the driver but for others as well.
Also learn about Taxi Drivers in Singapore Penalized for Overcharging at Key Locations.
