Driving in Singapore remains relatively easy compared to other cities in Asia. But road conditions have grown more stressful over the years.
Driving in Singapore has become more stressful over the years. Apart from daily congestion, we also face a growing number of reckless motorists.
And as car enthusiasts, there are several “wrongs” that we want corrected. Here are 20 things that the Torque team would like to see in 2020.
1) Traffic Police really cracking down on reckless motorists, and motor insurance companies refusing to insure them.
2) Road hogs having their vehicles forfeited.
3) Better driving etiquette, with motorists actually giving way when we signal our intention to change lane.
4) Enforcement against motorcyclists who bend their rear number plates so they can’t be read.
5) Insurance legislation that puts a time limit on the settlement of claims. It should also require companies to reveal their premium loading algorithms.
In its current format, the road tax for some EVs is outrageously expensive.
6) That the Government rationalises EV road taxes.
7 LTA gets rid of merging lanes and 90-degree turns at junctions.
8) Revamp driver training. Young drivers have no or very little risk management. We have seen them standing behind their cars on an expressway following a minor accident. Waiting to be crushed!
9) Enforce the double white lines and one-way regulations, especially in carparks.
10) Enforce the yellow box junction regulation. This will remind drivers that it is not just wasted yellow paint or a mere suggestion.
11) Do away with dual function turning/going straight lanes. Either turn or go straight, not both.
12) In such lanes, motorists should signal their intention to turn. This way, drivers will know whether to queue behind them or not.
13) More enforcement against heavy vehicles that are speeding. It’s common to see them doing 90km/h in lane 2!
14) People stop spreading photos/videos of victims in fatal traffic accidents. They only add to the trauma experienced by victims’ families. If you want to help, forward them to the police instead.
15) Carmakers shouldn’t integrate everything into a digital interface. Some controls/functions are better left as physical buttons.
Your entire windscreen could be a giant HUD one day.
16 )Having the entire windscreen as a giant HUD with real-time info and navigation prompts on actual visuals.
17) That designers stop afflicting their models with desperately aggressive styling (e.g. Audi RS, Lexus, AMG). It’s getting ridiculous when even a Toyota RAV4 has massive intakes and a diffuser (all fake of course).
18) High-end sports car brands use their engineering chops to create affordable, pure fun cars. Be inspired by the Suzuki Swift Sport, Mazda MX-5 and Alpine A110. Create sub-brands if they must.
19) That we’ll see more cars like the Honda e. Simple and beautiful.
20) Carmakers and buyers alike embrace taller/thicker tyre sidewalls in the interest of comfort.
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