The Human Cost of Road Safety: A Traffic Officer’s Perspective
There’s a haunting statistic that’s been making the rounds lately: Singapore’s road fatalities hit a 10-year high in 2025, with 149 lives lost. But behind that number are stories—stories of families shattered, dreams unfulfilled, and moments frozen in time. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating, and deeply tragic, is how these incidents are often framed as mere accidents. But are they? Or are they the result of choices, negligence, and a collective failure to prioritize safety over convenience?
Take the story of Traffic Police Inspector Mohamed Yazid Mohamed Yusoff, whose experiences on the job have left an indelible mark on him. One case, in particular, stands out: a five-year-old girl who died in a collision in Tampines. Her pink kick scooter, splattered with blood, became a symbol of the fragility of life. What many people don’t realize is that this wasn’t just a tragic incident—it was a preventable one. The girl’s grandfather, who was driving, was fined and disqualified for eight years. But fines and penalties don’t bring back lives.
From my perspective, this raises a deeper question: Why do we wait for tragedies to happen before we take road safety seriously? Insp Yazid’s words resonate deeply: “I don’t mind being put out of a job if that means nobody dies on our roads.” It’s a bold statement, but it’s also a call to action. If you take a step back and think about it, the job of a traffic officer isn’t just about enforcing rules—it’s about preventing heartbreak.
The Psychology of Risk: Why Do We Still Take Chances?
One thing that immediately stands out is the sheer recklessness of some drivers. Take the case of Jeremiah Ng, who drove at 169km/h in a 60km/h zone, killing a Gojek driver and injuring six others. A detail that I find especially interesting is the judge’s remark that Ng treated the roads like a Grand Prix circuit. This isn’t just about speeding—it’s about a mindset. What this really suggests is that some drivers see the road as their personal playground, with no regard for the lives around them.
In my opinion, this is where the problem lies. Road safety isn’t just about laws; it’s about culture. We’ve normalized behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and even drink driving. What many people don’t realize is that these aren’t minor infractions—they’re potential death sentences. Insp Yazid’s plea to “put egos aside” hits the nail on the head. It’s not about proving something; it’s about getting home safely.
The Emotional Toll: When the Job Becomes Personal
What makes Insp Yazid’s story so compelling is his humanity. Breaking the news to a victim’s family is something no one should have to do, yet it’s a recurring part of his job. He recalls his voice cracking as he informs grieving families, despite years of experience. This isn’t just a job—it’s a constant reminder of what’s at stake.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how these incidents affect him personally. The image of the bloodied kick scooter, the thought of his own son, and the realization that these tragedies could happen to anyone—it’s a weight he carries every day. This raises a deeper question: How do we support those who bear witness to these horrors? The emotional toll on officers like Insp Yazid is often overlooked, but it’s a critical part of the conversation.
The Broader Implications: A Shared Responsibility
If you take a step back and think about it, road safety isn’t just the job of traffic police. It’s a shared responsibility. Insp Yazid’s belief that every accident can be avoided is both optimistic and challenging. It challenges us to rethink how we use roads—not as battlegrounds for egos, but as shared spaces.
Personally, I think this is where the real change needs to happen. We need to move beyond punitive measures and focus on education, awareness, and a cultural shift. What this really suggests is that we’re not just saving lives—we’re redefining what it means to be a responsible road user.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Insp Yazid’s story isn’t just about road safety; it’s about humanity. It’s about the choices we make, the consequences we face, and the lives we impact. From my perspective, the rise in road fatalities isn’t just a statistic—it’s a wake-up call. We can’t afford to be complacent.
What many people don’t realize is that every time we get behind the wheel, we’re making a choice. Will we prioritize speed over safety? Convenience over caution? Or will we choose to share the road responsibly? Insp Yazid’s willingness to be put out of a job if it means saving lives is a powerful statement. But it’s also a challenge to all of us.
So, the next time you’re on the road, ask yourself: Am I part of the problem, or part of the solution? Because, in the end, it’s not just about avoiding accidents—it’s about preserving lives. And that’s a responsibility we all share.
