Road Hazard for Motorycycle

[Guest R1szuan]

Hi guys

 

i recently read the BIKE magzine for this month edition. There is one part of the magazine caught my interest.

 

the mag was talking about safety on the road. They mention on a few things

 

1: On why does the road manhole cover is not covered with some non slippery material on it.

 

2: Why dont the local authorities change the white paint to the less sillpery paint? or put a jagged humps on it?

 

3: About the divider would it be possible to make the divider slight higher instead of lower as this may pose greater danger when m/cyclist buang. (sometimes bikes or rider got stuck there cause the gap clearance bet the road and the divider is too small)

 

4: They also mention on road marking example like the arrow sign shouldnt be paint near a bend or on a bend.

 

5: They are also saying about using alternatives signages along a bend as it may be a hazard if motorcyclist where to crash there.Example the arrow sign to show it is a bend.

 

6: They are also asking on who is responsible if there is oil patch or unwanted debris on the road causing accidently. Who should be responsible.?

 

I agreed on most of what is written down in the magazine as it is indeed useful for all of us. As most of here know and experience on your rear tyre slidding away for no reason . Maybe this could be a factor.

 

Would it be possible for us to gather or write iin to LTA to make them reconsider the road signague and marking in the future for the safety of motorcyclist?

[Keynes]

Can try to write in but I'm not opptimisstic on the outcome.

 

It would be good if we have an Assisociation of Motorcyclists.

[Guest R1szuan]

Originally posted by Keynes@Jun 6 2005, 08:42 AM

Can try to write in but I'm not opptimisstic on the outcome.

 

It would be good if we have an Assisociation of Motorcyclists.

I dont think we need to have an association to bring up our point. We need to collate data from accidents. Take real life pics of the roads that are posing danger to both motoryclist and car drivers. We need plenty of stats. We need to bring up which road design is hazard instead of helping us.

 

We can meet up with an MP and bring on the discussion for me to bring up to parlimenent or talk to LTA regarding this issue.

 

Take a simple example. Some road leads to a bend. They will put up blind spot sign and those black and white arrow signs and a divider.

 

But the surroundings of the bend is full of foilages, tress and poor lighthing it could lead to diaster. it may mislead the driver or providing poor view for the driver to negioate a bend slowly.

 

We must bring out issue who is supposed to keep the road in sgp clean? I dont think there is such a rule saying riding on this road is as of your own risk. LTA will not be hold responsible if any of the road is in improper condition. I believe we need to get a clear view who will be liable for the road condition.

 

Imagine if you are riding in the nite and the lampost of the light is not working, the road is full of tress and your depending on your bike headlight. You go slow and then there is a huge oil patch on the road. You felled and skided and got injured. Broken leg and broken bike. TP came and summon you. Will you accept the case?

 

I wont i will fight all the way. It is not my fault the lights on the road are not working, it is not my fault the trees causing more darkness. My bike is in a good condition and i wasnt speeding. It is nite time. The road and the oil patch look the same. Who would ever can tell or sense there is oil patch on the road. LTA should be hold responsible for the maintence, design and keeping the road cleans and road worthy.

 

Yes i do agree some ppl wont appreciate it(the changes on the road) but it will for most of us here.

[Kr0n]

Talk about road hazards, I have a friend who was riding along holland, just after the flyover, towards Holland village. It was sort of drizzling that day, and without knowing the conditions of the extreme left lane there, she happily rode on it and got into an accident. For those who know that road, even a scrambler would be in danger on that lane. The drain covers and bumps are a big hazard, especially in the wet. Her bike skidded, spun about and she was injured enough to be sent to hospital in an ambulance. And then the traffic police had the cheek to tell her that she'd be investigated to see if she'll be charged for that loss of control of vehicle sh*t nonsense. WTF? We never had such roads in driving school, nor are such road conditions acceptable. In my opinion, LTA should do a proper job of ensuring that their sub-contractors do their work properly and construct better temporary roads, not like those stupid big metal plates after Raffles City before Suntec.

[comics00]

Originally posted by Kr0n@Jul 2 2005, 04:53 PM

Talk about road hazards, I have a friend who was riding along holland, just after the flyover, towards Holland village. It was sort of drizzling that day, and without knowing the conditions of the extreme left lane there, she happily rode on it and got into an accident. For those who know that road, even a scrambler would be in danger on that lane. The drain covers and bumps are a big hazard, especially in the wet. Her bike skidded, spun about and she was injured enough to be sent to hospital in an ambulance. And then the traffic police had the cheek to tell her that she'd be investigated to see if she'll be charged for that loss of control of vehicle sh*t nonsense. WTF? We never had such roads in driving school, nor are such road conditions acceptable. In my opinion, LTA should do a proper job of ensuring that their sub-contractors do their work properly and construct better temporary roads, not like those stupid big metal plates after Raffles City before Suntec.

this is interesting...mmm... if the road condition is truely that bad maybe ur friend can consider claim against lta instead in a way also to tell them to get their butt out of the a/c office out on to the road

[Kr0n]

Yeah I did suggest that, but we all know which country we live in and how that would work out right? =)

[comics00]

Originally posted by Kr0n@Jul 4 2005, 12:42 AM

Yeah I did suggest that, but we all know which country we live in and how that would work out right? =)

dont say until sillypore like that. i m quite sure almost all policis made r for the benifit of the public its the ppl that carry out the duties f*** it up. we all know wat sort of person LKY is, if he hears this i can bet some civil servant with be in deep sh*t

anyway i not sure if u should refer the case to lta, moe or city development btw wat is it there? usual road maintaince? difgging mrt tunnel again? water pipe/ wire laying?

[WildCard]

My rant bit would be on the various bumps and potholes getting more common on e-ways and roads.

Damn bumps just wrecked my wheel bearings after a few months suffering through them going to work....

[Guest nE0]

Magazines give very good insights to the "real" world out there, rather than the "political" world.

 

Like the article on speeding, it applies in SIngapore too. Its ridiculous to ride 70 on heavy traffic, even if the road is 3 lanes wide. Its also ridiculous to ride at 50 on a deserted 3 lane wide road.

 

The mind is bored, not concentrating, and most importantly, we will soon loose the skill to adjust speed according to road conditions, instead adjusting speed to what the sign says.

[Guest R1szuan]

well as you can see this is a pushing games within the ministry.

 

you fall they blame you for careless

The road is uneven they blame you for failing to keep a safe distance or ride slower

It seems no one dare to take responsiblity for the road clean up acts.

 

I was wondering have we tried to bring up the uneven road or sillpery road surface to our mp to ask LTA question. Was the thing created on purpose or accidentally?

[nhyone]

Originally posted by nE0@Jul 4 2005, 10:19 AM

Its ridiculous to ride 70 on heavy traffic, even if the road is 3 lanes wide. Its also ridiculous to ride at 50 on a deserted 3 lane wide road.

Do what you like, but are you prepared to face the consequences?

 

Like on rainy days or wet roads, I automatically slow down to below speed limit and keep a much longer safety distance, cos cannot brake too fast and hard.

 

I didn't learn the first few times, so nearly skidded (or already skidding, and quickly released the brake) or nearly crashed into the car in front. After that, I always remember that. Better be safe than to be sorry!

[vfrT]

Originally posted by Keynes@Jun 6 2005, 08:54 AM

Can try to write in but I'm not opptimisstic on the outcome.

 

It would be good if we have an Assisociation of Motorcyclists.

I did in fact wrote to LTA on 11 May 2005 about some of the same points regarding slippery road markings raised by Bike Magazine in their July 2005 issue. Below was LTA's response.

 

Note the second para where quote " Please let us know the locations where you experience slippery markings to allow us to investigate further and to have them rectified, if necessary." unquote.

 

As a group, we could take LTA up on this request for feedback and take photos and send the feedback on hazardous situations to them. Perhaps, with enough feedback, they would really act. As it is, their response are the usual bureaucratic and standard reply.

 

REPLY BEGINS:

 

Our Ref: LTA/TM/T44.xxxx/xxxx

Date:

Tel: 63962409

Fax: 63961163

 

Dear Mr XXX,

 

ROAD SAFETY - ROAD MARKINGS

FEEDBACK NUMBER: xxxxxxx

 

We refer to your feedback dated 11 May 2005.

It is of our utmost concern that motorcyclists are having difficulties to manoeuvre across road markings. We wish to assure you that that we have control measures in place to ensure that our roads and road markings are safe for road users. The skid resistance of the road surface are measured regularly to ensure of this. Please let us know the locations where you experience slippery markings to allow us to investigate further and to have them rectified, if necessary.

Nevertheless, we would always advise motorists or motorcyclists to always travel with care when the roads are wet during wet weather for safety reasons. We noted your concerns of having too many road markings on our roads and will make it a point to reduce the road markings that we place on the roads wherever applicable.

We would also like to take the opportunity to share our findings with you on the various feedback that you have provided:

(a) Multi-head arrows at Bras Basah Road/ North Bridge Road junction

 Right-turning traffic from Bras Basah Road into North Bridge Road have only one right-turning lane to turn from. As right-turning traffic needs to wait for pedestrians to clear the crossing before they can turn, the right-turning efficiency is reduced. We are unable to provide more lanes for right turning traffic due to high vehicle volume going straight along North Bridge Road. These waiting pockets with multi-head arrows serve to inform Bras Basah Road motorists that they can proceed to each of the various waiting lanes to await their turns to turn into North Bridge Road. This measure helps to increase the right-turning efficiency at the junction. This kind of traffic scheme is not uncommon and can also be found at Bideford Road/Orchard Road junction, Orchard Road/Paterson Road/Scotts Road, etc.

(b) Too many ‘SLOW’ road markings along Crawford Avenue towards Republic Avenue

 We noted your concerns of having too many ‘SLOW’ road markings along Crawford Street towards Republic Avenue. We will work with our Circle Line Project team to reduce these markings.

 

 

© Yellow boxes

 The current outline of the yellow box has thick borders. The borders of the yellow box have to be wide to be prominent to motorists. However, we do note your feedback of improving the outline of our yellow boxes, especially near the turning point. We will require in depth study to ascertain the feasibility. At the moment, we do not have plans to change the design of the yellow box.

(d) Increase spacing between lane markings especially at bends

 Bends are usually marked by the black and white markings along kerbs and sometime signs are provided to forewarn motorists. There is thus no need to change the road markings. The existing arrangement is effective in guiding motorists to stay within the lane when negotiating the bend. If the spacing is increased, it will reduce the effectiveness.

We thank you for the feedback.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

(SIGNED IN LOTUS NOTES)

SIM WI-MIN (MS)

TRAFFIC ENGINEER (URBAN NORTH)

For MANAGER

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

 

END OF REPLY.

[Guest R1szuan]

maybe one day we can try to survey an accident site. Take a look at the surrounding.

 

It could be nature factor. Meaning tress grow to tall block out lights, the road is poor lit. The road is uneven. The positon of the railing and signagues.

 

Maybe with all our contribution and photos fits. We can complie a powerpoint presenataion and present it to our MP and let them bring it up to LTA to query on the situation.

 

LTA is now more willing to consider changes if the volume is high. So let start working by identify a dangerous spot and bend. With the work of CSSP (community,safety and security project) we can hope to get LTA, TP and the relevant ministry to work on the problems.,

 

no matter how slow or careful we drive if the road condition is the one having the problem why we must shoulder the responsibly.

 

i applaud VFRT for this email sent to LTA. we need to work more on this. Grilled them hard. :thumb:

[StingRhea]

Yes. Its a good headstart.

 

I swallowed my balls when i jammed braked on a road marking t hat nearly sent me flying when a van suddenly came out from the side roads along Jln Besar.

 

It was raining and if it was the tarmac, only the rear would fishtail and still able to control.

 

hail vfrt!

[shiraz]

now before and after school zones there is the red area on the road also right.. i can say that's one of the stupidest thing to be done by WHATEVER authority! it's effective, yes, it warns the motorists of children but the red stuff is like ice when it's wet! and most of the time, it's before a traffic light! concrete is usually used before a crossing because it has more friction then asphalt used in roads in singapore but now, they're using this slippery 'tiles' so that cars can drift and cannon children who just make a mad dash across the crossings!

 

until today, i still seem them installing the tiles on the roads near schools!

 

i wrote in once to these ppl at LTA but my mail got sent back to me, opened, sealed up again, with am LTA stamp on the back.. i said i could be co0ntacted by e-mail and left my add there but they did not get back to me

[contrarian]

Originally posted by comics00@Jul 3 2005, 11:46 AM

this is interesting...mmm... if the road condition is truely that bad maybe ur friend can consider claim against lta instead in a way also to tell them to get their butt out of the a/c office out on to the road

i've seen an injured motorcyclist succeed in claiming damages against the LTA and its contractor after the guy skidded on metal plates for the circle line construction.

 

i will say that it is possible to sue the LTA and win, depending on the facts of the case. for this case though, i think it might be difficult to succeedon the facts.

[UndeadArcher]

yesterday on SLE towards BKE(after woodlands ave 2 exit), Theres a freaking huge blanket like thing on the road man.. around 11+pm to 12+am. what i see is the car infront of me suddenly changed lane causin to the left lane.. and i was traveling happily behind it.. after it changed its lane, then i saw the blardy hell BIG blanket on the road appearing bigger and bigger.. i quickly serve to the right to advoid hitting the blardy hell thing.. if nt i dunno really wad will happen to me >

[vfrT]

Originally posted by shiraz@Jul 16 2005, 04:32 PM

i wrote in once to these ppl at LTA but my mail got sent back to me, opened, sealed up again, with am LTA stamp on the back.. i said i could be co0ntacted by e-mail and left my add there but they did not get back to me

If what you say is true, send the letter with the stamp and all to the feedback unit http://app.feedback.gov.sg/asp/index.asp. I believe the Govt has implement a "must reply" policy. Try to outline your grievance in a calm and constructive tone without too much emotion and chest thumping.

[sarge]

Y dont we add all the facts together, wif problem locations, and call the new paper?

[MrLau]

Originally posted by vfrT@Jul 4 2005, 02:14 PM

Note the second para where quote " Please let us know the locations where you experience slippery markings to allow us to investigate further and to have them rectified, if necessary." unquote.

At least LTA still respond to your feedback, not bad.

 

Well, they handle the feedback case by case. If you found some hazardous spots, write down your observation, what ever kind of 'facts' that support your obversation, they will look into it.

 

For those 'big picture' kind of general suggestion, better write to the media, because this will be handle by the higher rank officer.

[Guest R1szuan]

why not we do the min?

 

Take photo of the road condition in the peak period and off peak period. Day and nite. Put up an observation.

 

A picture will tell a thousand words.

 

Too bad we dont have acess on how many accident or near miss was recorded at that particular location.

 

Remember in the picture.. it must include the road surrounding. Like the postion of the lampost, road markings, General views of the road,side views and what is the better proposition to do it.

 

With so much data given to them i am sure they will work on it... currently i am looking at a few blind spot junction at a few locaqtion. Havent had the time to go donw and do a proper study on it.

[sheep]

Originally posted by Kr0n@Jul 2 2005, 04:53 PM

In my opinion, LTA should do a proper job of ensuring that their sub-contractors do their work properly and construct better temporary roads, not like those stupid big metal plates after Raffles City before Suntec.

Those are freaking slippery after the rain.....

Those metal plates are killers!

[Guest Fragile]

Originally posted by contrarian@Jul 16 2005, 04:43 PM

i've seen an injured motorcyclist succeed in claiming damages against the LTA and its contractor after the guy skidded on metal plates for the circle line construction.

 

i will say that it is possible to sue the LTA and win, depending on the facts of the case. for this case though, i think it might be difficult to succeedon the facts.

those are killers!

 

even on dry days... i have fear of going over them..

 

 

:giddy:

[StingRhea]

okie. on a rainy day, u try goint to upper paya lebar road den bartey road.

 

[endlessloop]

Hahaha.

There are large sections of roads covered with nothing but metal plates.

 

I just try to ride a straight line without having to lean my bike when on these plates.

So I align my bike properly at the start of the plate towards the end of the plate, then go straight. Then while on the plate, I just pray that my aim is correct and I don't have to lean the bike or brake the bike in between.