Daily Lessons from Life 05-06 April 2014 - Crash that killed 4: Was driver on drugs?

MH370 Updates - simply has to share this as a Chinese vessel had supposedly picked up signals that are in the same frequency as the black box of MH370. The Australian authority are 'hopeful but not certain' that the signals are from MH370 yet. I hope it is. Closure is near?

"Crash that killed 4: Was driver on drugs? - The Straits Times | Sunday, Apr 6, 2014

SINGAPORE - Drugs could have been a factor behind the accident that killed a Singaporean trainee pilot, his Korean girlfriend and her parents last August.

The man allegedly behind the wheel of the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that ploughed into them, Mr Toh Cheng Yang, 34, is expected to appear in court today to face charges for the accident after months of investigations.

Police said in a media statement yesterday - without naming the driver - that he will be charged with dangerous driving causing death and driving under the influence of drugs.

They added that his licence has been suspended since the accident on Aug 9 last year. This will be in force until the court case ends. If convicted of dangerous driving causing death, Mr Toh could get a jail term of up to five years. For driving under the influence of drugs, he may be jailed for up to six months or fined up to $5,000.

The couple, who met at Zouk in 2010, are remembered fondly for the surprise parties they loved to throw for each other, said a friend of Mr Amron previously. This tradition seems to have continued despite the tragedy. On what should have been Ms Song's 25th birthday in January, family and friends gathered for a posthumous celebration. Mr Song wrote on Facebook: "I am so grateful to everyone who celebrated my sister Jisoo's 25th birthday!""

It was a tragic accident that changed many people's lives. When there is an accident, no man wanted that to happen. Yet, damages to properties, which is always secondary, and lives lost can be the consequence.

Lessons for me are:

1. if the driver were on drugs, not medication but 'illicit drug', I am worry that we have such reckless and irresponsible drivers in our tiny little Red Dot!;

2. is this an isolated case or there are many, as a recent report revealed that illegal drug uses are on an up trend in Singapore, unreported cases or 'missed accidents' on our roads? I hope it is an isolated case. Otherwise, it is very worrying for other drivers and road users. A tragedy waiting to happen!;

3. it seems Mr Song's life is returned to some normalcy, and he must be pretty strong emotionally after losing his parents, sister and a 'second brother' in such ruthless and cruel way. Sudden demise of closed ones are most devastating for many. Indeed, it was touching to learn of the couple's friends celebrating what would have been Ms Song's 25th birthday. The courage to live on and a tinge of sadness indeed.

May justice be served and our roads made safe from unimaginably reckless drivers like this one, if he was driving under the influence of 'drugs' as we know it.