SG man, 94, gets 5 years’ driving ban and fined S$5K for not giving way and crashing into motorcyclist along Upper Thomson Road

Nick Karean
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SG man, 94, gets 5 years’ driving ban and fined S$5K for not giving way and crashing into motorcyclist along Upper Thomson Road
Photo: Nick Karean/AI illustration

Upper Thomson Road accident involving car driver and motorcyclist

SINGAPORE: A 94-year-old Singaporean car driver has been fined S$5,000 and banned from driving for five years after failing to give way to a motorcyclist. The collision left the 58-year-old rider with multiple leg fractures.

Goh Boon Kang pleaded guilty to driving without reasonable consideration for other road users and causing grievous hurt.

The accident happened at around 9:45 a.m. on September 2, 2025, near the junction of Jalan Angklong along Upper Thomson Road, Mothership reported, citing The Straits Times on Nov 6.

Driver failed to give way during right turn

According to the charge sheet, Goh was making a discretionary right turn when he failed to give way to a motorcyclist approaching from his left.

The footage played in court showed the motorcyclist being thrown off his motorcycle and onto the road following the collision.

Another motorcyclist narrowly avoided hitting Goh’s car, managing to stop in time.

The injured rider suffered multiple fractures to his legs. He was admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where he spent 32 days before being transferred to a hospital in Malaysia for further treatment.

Goh attended court using a walking stick and was allowed to remain seated during the proceedings.

Singapore drivers aged 65 and above must undergo medical checks

The case also brings attention to Singapore’s medical assessment requirements for older motorists.

Under the Road Traffic Act, drivers aged 65 and above who wish to retain their driving licences must undergo medical assessments.

In a written parliamentary reply in July 2026, Senior Minister K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, explained the requirements.

Drivers must undergo an assessment every three years by a Singapore-registered medical practitioner. The checks cover their medical history, eyesight, hearing, movement and any physical or mental abnormalities.

Doctors use a checklist developed by the Traffic Police, based on the Singapore Medical Association’s Fitness to Drive guidelines.

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Road safety depends on drivers making responsible decisions

Medical assessments are one part of keeping older motorists safe on the roads. Drivers must also recognise their own physical abilities and limitations.

Age alone doesn't determine whether someone can drive safely. However, the ability to react, judge distances and give way to other road users matters at every age.

A driving licence comes with responsibility towards everyone sharing the road. When a driver makes a turn, a moment of poor judgement can leave another road user facing months of recovery.


Read more: 75-year-old Grab driver fined S$3,500 and banned for 18 months after driving off while his passenger, also 75, was still boarding