Coroner warns against using carpooling services on Telegram after death of passenger in traffic accident

Carpooling Dangers: A Cautionary Tale

Teh tragic death of Michael Ong Wee Siong, a 21-year-old Singaporean, serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with unregulated carpooling services. Ong died in December 2023 after the van he was riding in, driven by an unlicensed 18-year-old, flipped on the Pan-Island expressway following a collision with a lorry.

Unlicensed Driver and Unauthorized Vehicle Use

State coroner Adam nakhoda,who delivered a summary of his findings,noted that the driver did not possess a Class 3 Driving License or a Provisional driving Licence at the time of the incident. Moreover, the driver had not been authorized by the van’s registered owner to operate the vehicle.

Rise of Unregulated Carpooling Groups

The driver had been offering rides to passengers through a Telegram group chat, a trend increasingly prevalent in Singapore. These unregulated carpooling groups operate without the safeguards in place for licensed carpooling services, putting passengers at greater risk. The government has repeatedly cautioned against using such services, highlighting the lack of safety measures and potential for uninsured accidents.

The Fatal Crash: Speed and inexperience

Based on footage from the lorry, the van was traveling at a significantly faster speed than the lorry it was following. The coroner concluded that the driver likely attempted to overtake the lorry but misjudged the speed of both vehicles due to a lack of experiance.

“The driver possibly misjudged the speed of his van or the lorry, and as an inevitable result, failed to filter lanes in time when trying to overtake the lorry,” saeid the coroner. The van collided with the lorry’s rear side, causing the van to flip and land upside down.

State coroner’s Warning on Carpooling Risks

Highlighting the dangers of unregulated carpooling, State Coroner Nakhoda stated, “A person could be picked up by inexperienced drivers, which can lead to a higher chance of an accident. He added that resulting injuries or death may not be covered by insurance.

instead of resorting to such services, passengers are urged to opt for licensed private-hire vehicles, taxis, or public transportation for safer and more secure travel.

How can passengers ensure they are traveling with a licensed and qualified driver when using unregulated carpooling platforms?

Carpooling Dangers: A Cautionary Tale – an Interview with Singapore’s Senior Traffic Police Officer,Inspector Tan Li Min

In light of the tragic passing of Michael Ong Wee Siong, we sat down with Inspector Tan Li Min, a senior traffic police officer, to discuss the risks associated with unregulated carpooling services and the importance of passenger safety.

Interview with Inspector Tan Li Min: Unlicensed Drivers and Unauthorized Vehicle Use

Q: Inspector, could you tell us more about the dangers of unlicensed drivers operating vehicles, as seen in the case of Michael Ong’s untimely demise?

Inspector Tan: “Indeed, unlicensed drivers pose a meaningful safety risk. They lack the necessary training and experience to operate vehicles safely, especially on high-speed expressways like the PIE. in Michael’s case, the lack of a Class 3 Driving Licence or Provisional Driving License, coupled with the absence of authorization from the van’s owner, disregard the most essential safety measures.”

Rising Unregulated Carpooling Groups: A Worrying Trend

Q: With the growth of unregulated carpooling groups through platforms like Telegram, what concerns do these raise for passengers and law enforcement?

Inspector Tan: “These unregulated groups offer no safeguards for passengers. There’s no way to verify a driver’s license or the vehicle’s insurance status.Moreover, they operate outside of the legal framework, making it difficult for authorities to enforce safety standards or hold drivers accountable in case of accidents. We’ve repeatedly warned the public about these risks, but it seems some people still choose convenience over safety.”

Fatal Crash: Speed and Inexperience – A Deadly Combination

Q: can you walk us through how the fatal crash involving Michael Ong unfolded, and how speed and inexperience played a critical role?

Inspector Tan: “The coroner’s report indicates that the van was traveling too fast and attempted to overtake a lorry. the driver’s lack of experience likely led to a misjudgment of both vehicles’ speeds, resulting in a tragic collision. Speed, as always, was a factor, but lack of experience exacerbated the situation.”

Carpooling Risks and Safety Alternatives: A Thought-Provoking Perspective

Q: Inspector Tan, given the inherent risks of unregulated carpooling, what advice would you give to passengers looking for affordable and convenient travel options?

Inspector Tan: “While I understand the appeal of unregulated services, they simply aren’t worth the risk. I urge passengers to opt for licensed private-hire vehicles, taxis, or public transportation. These options provide safety measures, reliable vehicles, and drivers with the appropriate licenses. always prioritize safety over a cheap fare. After all, no amount of money is worth your life or the lives of others.”

inspector Tan’s sentiment serves as a stark reminder that while convenience may be tempting, safety should always be our top priority when choosing our mode of transportation.