9-9-2024 (SINGAPORE) Even in the line of duty, a Singapore traffic police officer has been sentenced to seven months in jail for causing the death of a pedestrian while responding to an accident call. The incident has raised questions about the balance between urgency in emergency response and road safety.
Muhammad Firdaus Yusoff, a 32-year-old Singaporean holding the rank of SGT(3), pleaded guilty to riding his motorcycle without reasonable consideration for other road users. The court heard that Firdaus was travelling at a staggering 108kmh in a 50kmh zone when the tragic collision occurred.
The fateful incident unfolded on 21 June 2023, as Firdaus was en route to attend a non-emergency accident scene where a motorcycle had skidded. Despite knowing that the Singapore Civil Defence Force had already been alerted, Firdaus, as the first police officer dispatched, felt compelled to reach the scene swiftly to assess the situation and provide assistance if needed.
However, his haste proved catastrophic when he struck a 58-year-old man crossing Hougang Avenue 3 near its intersection with Kim Chuan Road. The victim, who was not jaywalking but failed to yield to the oncoming vehicle, succumbed to his injuries the same day.
During sentencing, District Judge Kok Shu-En admonished Firdaus, stating, “You of all people ought to have known just how dangerous it is to be travelling at such speeds.” However, the judge acknowledged that Firdaus was not speeding for a frivolous reason, recognising the inherent urgency in responding to accident scenes.
The prosecution, while seeking a substantial sentence, noted mitigating factors such as Firdaus’ use of sirens and blinkers to warn others of his approach. They also acknowledged the non-emergency nature of the call, which required prompt but not reckless response.
In addition to the jail term, Firdaus has been banned from obtaining any driving licence for eight years. The Singapore Police Force had previously suspended him from frontline duties pending investigation.
