PMD Related Accidents Getting More Serious. Is It Time for the Government to Step in?

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Five days ago on 21st Sep, a 65-year old woman Madam Ong Bee Eng, a logistics assistant packer, suffered a serious brain injury and fractures to her ribs and collar bone, after colliding with a 20-year old e-scooter rider.

Madam Ong was taken to the Changi General Hospital (CGH) unconscious, where she was put on life support. Madam Ong has since passed away from her injuries in the hospital.

In March last year, 53-year old compliance executive Madam Yeo Eng Koong suffered a fractured skull, after falling backwards to avoid colliding with a e-scooter rider. Madam Yeo’s skull had to be opened for her injuries to be treated, and doctors had to use the stapling method to seal the wound. A total of 30 stitches were required to seal her head wound.

Many concerned Singaporeans took to social media condemning the actions of these reckless Personal Mobility Device (PMD) riders, with some calling for the permanent ban of PMDs. Madam Ong’s accident is the one of the most serious PMD related accidents to date.

The government’s stand was not to ban the PMDs, but to cultivate the right culture where users can ride safely and responsibly (as mentioned by Senior Minister of State for Transport Dr Lam Pin Min). However, seeing as PMD related accidents are not only becoming increasingly common but more serious, is it now time that the government step in to regulate the use of these PMDs?

The following are just some suggestions to how the PMDs could be regulated:

  • Introduce mandatory registration for all PMD devices. PMD devices must have a plate ID.
  • Have the insurance industry come up with third-party insurance policies for PMD riders, so that victims like Madam Ong and Madam Yeo can have their medical treatment costs covered.
  • Introduce a mandatory PMD riding course and license. Riders have to pass the course to get the license.
  • PMD licenses will have a demerit point system similar to car/motorcycle licenses (e.g. PMD riders will lose their license if they exceed their demerit point quota).
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