More motorcyclists and pillion riders die on roads in 2011

Motorcyclists and their pillion riders are still a cause for concern, accounting for about half of the total road fatalities in 2011, the Traffic Police revealed on Tuesday morning.

Of the 197 deaths, 99 involved motorcyclists and their pillion riders, an increase of 11.2 per cent from the 89 fatalities recorded in 2010.

To reduce the number of motorcycle accidents, the Traffic Police will implement a two-tiered theory test structure for learner riders of Class 2B motorcycles from Feb 27.

All learner riders will be required to pass two separate theory tests -- the Basic Theory Test and the Riding Theory Test -- before they are allowed to take the practical riding test.


The Traffic Police said this allows for deeper and wider testing of local traffic rules and motorcycle handling knowledge, which is helpful at increasing riding competency.

The authority will continue to inculcate safe riding behaviours and target enforcement efforts against unsafe riding habits through the strategic enforcement teams that were introduced in October 2011.

The patrol officers in these teams will interact with motorcyclists on the roads to convey road safety advice. If necessary, they will take enforcement action to correct dangerous riding behaviour quickly before accidents occur.

The Traffic Police was giving an annual update on Singapore's road traffic situation for 2011.