I hope and believe a full investigation will be carried out into the causes of the tragedy, and it would be wrong to try to anticipate the findings of such an inquiry.

However, it seems that, time and again, we read of fatal accidents befalling Singaporean drivers in North America, Australia and closer to home.

The common factor seems to be driving at speed (albeit within the speed limit) on major expressways for a longer time than is typical in Singapore.

Is there nothing the authorities can do here to prepare Singapore drivers for the very different nature of such road trips? Our driver instruction programmes are rigorous, but this seems to be an area that is overlooked.

I appreciate that on our small island we cannot give learner drivers direct experience of driving non-stop for hundreds of kilometres of expressway, but perhaps a relevant module, with video, could be included in driving school courses? The points covered could include the need for regular rest stops, maintaining a sensible speed below the stated limit, looking out for damage to the road surface and ensuring the vehicle, including tyres, is in perfect condition for such a journey.

Apart from the unthinkable personal impact on the extended Bong family, all of us are touched by what happened that morning. Singapore can ill afford to lose such young, productive citizens.

William Laws