Why don't pedestrians have right of way in Singapore?Singapore does have a unique situation on the roads. Unlike, say, the US where drivers in some areas (e.g. quiet suburban neighbourhoods) will stop to let pedestrians cross (even if it's jaywalking) or in much of the rest of Asia where pedestrians and vehicles alike wander onto the roads and pretty much avoid each other while accepting the right of either party to be there, pedestrians wait until cars have passed before they venture onto the road, and cars won't stop if they see someone waiting to cross. But there is an exception (see point 4 below).
Singaporeans are:
1. Impatient - given a choice to proceed or to wait, they would rather proceed.
2. Kiasu - they hate being second, and want to be in front, and also prevent others from being in front.
3. Bullies - given points 1. and 2. above, drivers will take advantage of a car versus pedestrian situation.
4. Selectively rule-bound - Pedestrians DO have right of way, but only under well defined situations (more...)
交警的回答
Here is what I got from Traffic Police officer:
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Thank you for your email
The two crossings shown in your photos is not a pedestrian crossing. As such, you would need to give way to motor vehicles before your cross. However, if a vehicle appear while you are crossing halfway, the vehicle should give way to you.
I hope that the above clarifies. Thank you.
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So, this means in Singapore, vehicles have right-of-way over pedestrians, unless pedestrian crossing. This is surprising, and very dangerous basic expectation. But it explains why cars trying to squeeze in on my way when I walk or when I run.
More vulnerable has right of way on the road is basic rule in other countries. Pedestrians has right over bicycles. Bicycles over cars... In Singapore, it is opposite. Car has right of way over pedestrian. Everybody, please be careful.
===================================
Thank you for your email
The two crossings shown in your photos is not a pedestrian crossing. As such, you would need to give way to motor vehicles before your cross. However, if a vehicle appear while you are crossing halfway, the vehicle should give way to you.
I hope that the above clarifies. Thank you.
===================================
So, this means in Singapore, vehicles have right-of-way over pedestrians, unless pedestrian crossing. This is surprising, and very dangerous basic expectation. But it explains why cars trying to squeeze in on my way when I walk or when I run.
More vulnerable has right of way on the road is basic rule in other countries. Pedestrians has right over bicycles. Bicycles over cars... In Singapore, it is opposite. Car has right of way over pedestrian. Everybody, please be careful.
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