Former air force chief fined S$5,000, banned from driving for hitting maid with stroller

A former chief of the air force has been fined S$5,000 and banned from driving for five years after striking a maid pushing a toddler in a stroller. The incident occurred on May 17, 2024, when the 74-year-old driver, Goh Yong Siang, made a discretionary right turn at an intersection without adequately checking for pedestrians.

The court heard that Goh was driving along Harbour Drive when the traffic lights turned green in his favor. He proceeded to make a right turn into Pasir Panjang Road but failed to stop in the right-turn pocket to look out for oncoming pedestrians. At the same time, a 44-year-old maid was crossing the road with a two-year-old boy in a stroller, with the pedestrian signal in their favor.

Goh's vehicle struck the pair, flinging the woman several meters. The maid was taken to the hospital with injuries that required 42 days of hospitalization leave. The boy received outpatient treatment for bruises and abrasions. Due to her injuries, the maid had difficulty walking and could not climb stairs, requiring her employer to hire a part-time helper.

The maid was only able to partially resume work about a month after her discharge from the hospital. Her injuries are not expected to cause permanent disability. In court, the prosecution sought a fine of S$4,000 to S$5,000 and the mandatory five-year driving ban, noting Goh's failure to yield to pedestrians with the right of way.

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We also note that he was driving at a speed that rendered him unable to brake in time, though there is no evidence that he was speeding.