Mobile app to encourage safe habits on the road

A mobile app launched yesterday aims to help people understand their reactions to situations on the road, and encourage them to be safer road users.

Developed by the Traffic Police, the RoadPro app features a 12-question personality quiz which identifies traits such as patience, aggression and caution.

There are also games that get users to take on the roles of pedestrians, motorists and cyclists as they encounter different scenarios.

The free app was developed as part of the annual Singapore Road Safety Month, which was launched yesterday at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre. It can be downloaded on the iTunes and Google Play stores.

A two-day exhibition, which also started yesterday, allows visitors to learn more about safe road habits at booths set up by groups such as the Automobile Association of Singapore and companies like Volvo.

Traffic Police Deputy Superintendent Weng Wanyi said RoadPro aims to get people to see the impact of their behaviour on other road users.

"People do not deliberately want to behave badly on the roads," said DSP Weng, who is also head of research, planning and organisational development at the Traffic Police. "Rather, their behaviours are a result of a combination of situational factors such as the way other road users are acting as well as personality traits."

Traffic Police Commander Sam Tee said it is not enough to rely on enforcement efforts by the police to keep road accidents at bay. "Every motorist and pedestrian must learn that it is their responsibility to keep roads safe," he said.

Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Transport Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim said in a speech that children are especially vulnerable, and that about 280 children on average are involved in traffic accidents every year.

He added: "All these accidents could have been prevented if motorists had been more careful and if we help children learn and practise good road safety habits."

ameltan@sph.com.sg

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