Members from the online community have voiced their opinions on the increasing road rage incidents, hinting that COE, which stands for Certificate of Entitlement, refers to the motorist’s attitude and not so much the right to own or use a vehicle in Singapore.
Facebook community pages like ROADS.sg and SG Road Vigilante – SGRV often upload camera footage of aggressive driving behaviour, whether it’s reckless swerving, honking, or giving another road user a middle finger for being called out.
“Road rage incidents often boil down to drivers’ sense of entitlement — that they have the right of way on the road,” noted ROADS.sg in a post on Saturday (July 16).
Following the high-profile incident at Tuas Second Link last week of a woman single-handedly blocking a multipurpose vehicle (MPV) and snatching its car plate before slamming it on the windshield, the need for patience and graciousness while on the road became a topic online.
It was reported that the woman and her son, who flashed his middle fingers at the MPV driver, reacted in such a way after the MPV blocked their path and allegedly collided with their car.
“It’s a real and big issue in Singapore, to the point that people are reacting based on very small incidents like lane cutting,” noted ROADS.sg.
Netizens also shared their opinions on the matter, pointing out that changing lanes was not the issue. “It’s how they change lanes that make others angry,” said Facebook user Chili Padi.
He said that people get angry when one does not signal and just cut in without due care.
“Signal, check clear; if there is another vehicle, let them pass or slow down before changing lanes. Not just force your way in just because you signalled,” he added in a comment with over 50 likes.
“The big problem is that a lot of motorists are very impatient and want to lane cut,” noted Facebook user Andrew Yap.
He suggests incorporating such instances in the driving test. “Make it a criminal offence for lane cutting, tailgating and speeding. These three are the deadly sins,” he added.
One Chun-Chau Chew reminded everyone to give way even if you don’t need to as it makes driving more pleasant and safer.
“Don’t think your Certificate of ‘Entitlement’ translates to huge ego sense of ‘Entitlement.” /TISG