Driver wins appeal after judge finds cyclist's negligence contributed to accident
The High Court found that the victim breached two obligations in his conduct as a cyclist by failing to travel at a speed that would allow him to stop at the zebra crossing involved and not stopping to check for oncomin…
The High Court found that the victim breached two obligations in his conduct as a cyclist by failing to travel at a speed that would allow him to stop at the zebra crossing involved and not stopping to check for oncomin…
· Updated
The High Court found that the victim breached two obligations in his conduct as a cyclist by failing to travel at a speed that would allow him to stop at the zebra crossing involved and not stopping to check for oncoming traffic.
A view of the Supreme Court in Singapore. (Photo: CNA/Jeremy Long) SINGAPORE: A private-hire driver who hit a cyclist had his jail sentence replaced with a fine after the High Court found that the cyclist's contributory negligence significantly reduced the driver's culpability.
Eric Yeo Seong Bee, who pleaded guilty to one charge of driving without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, had been sentenced to one week’s jail and disqualified from driving for five years.
He appealed against the jail term, arguing that the cyclist’s own negligence should be a factor in deciding his culpability. He cited previous cases involving contributory negligence in support of his argument.
Yeo also argued that the District Judge wrongly held that he flouted traffic rules and regulations. In a judgment made available on Wednesday (Oct 7), the High Court agreed that the victim’s behaviour should have been considered and the District Judge erred in failing to do so.
It ruled that Yeo’s culpability was “significantly reduced” due to the cyclist’s negligence and replaced the jail term with the maximum fine of S$5,000 (US$3,900).
FAQ
What happened?
The High Court found that the victim breached two obligations in his conduct as a cyclist by failing to travel at a speed that would allow him to stop at the zebra crossing involved and not stopping to check for oncoming traffic.
What happens next?
The desk will follow official notices as they are published.
