The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has issued a strong warning to social media influencers and the public regarding the alarming trend of dangerous driving behaviours being recorded and shared online.
LTA acting chief executive officer Irimaia Rokosawa confirmed this in a media issue, highlighting that these reckless acts, often seen on platforms like Facebook and TikTok, are not only illegal but also pose significant risks to road safety.
He said in recent months, the LTA had observed a troubling increase in videos showcasing unsafe driving practices, including filming while driving.
Mr Rokosawa said such content could mislead viewers into thinking that these behaviours were acceptable, which was far from the truth.
“We (the LTA) are stressing that engaging in such activities is both illegal and irresponsible,” Mr Rokosawa said.
“Posting videos of reckless driving on social media is not only dangerous but deeply irresponsible.
“It sets a dangerous precedent for other drivers who may see these actions as acceptable.
“We want to make it very clear that driving while distracted by mobile phones or other gadgets is illegal and highly dangerous.
“We urge influencers and all drivers to immediately stop these behaviours and prioritise safety on our roads.”
In response to this growing concern, the LTA’s enforcement team is actively monitoring social media to identify and address these dangerous behaviours.
The public is also encouraged to report instances of reckless driving they witness.
Mr Rokosawa outlined various risky behaviours contributing to fatal accidents, including speeding, drink-driving, and driver fatigue.
He said all drivers needed to acknowledge the seriousness of these actions and to take responsibility.
To bolster enforcement, the LTA plans to deploy personnel in high-traffic areas, particularly around popular transport hubs, and to strictly enforce speed limits and traffic regulations.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all road users. By intensifying our enforcement efforts, we aim to create a safer driving environment and reduce the number of road accident.”
