SINGAPORE - A lorry driver was jailed for one week and banned from driving for a year on Friday for dangerous driving.

Malaysian Rahim Rahman, 39, admitted to dangerous driving by making an unauthorised U-turn against the flow of traffic, hitting motorcyclist Kee Choo Lee who was injured on July 12 last year.

The court head that Rahim was driving on the left lane of the road while the 46-year-old motorcyclist was on the right that day.

When Rahim approached the junction of Woodlands Centre Road, a police officer stopped his lorry and directed him to make a U-turn along Woodlands Road as there was a traffic jam.

He travelled some distance before seeing a motorcar make an illegal U-turn at an opening in the centre road divider. He then followed suit.

Rahim made the illegal U-turn at an opening in the centre road divider. Mr Kee saw the lorry in front of him but did not have enough time to react.

The lorry hit the motorcycle, causing Mr Kee to be flung off his bike. He was taken to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.

The court heard that the opening was meant only for vehicles travelling in the opposite direction to turn right into Woodlands Road.

By using the opening to make the illegal U-turn, Rahim had driven against the flow of traffic. He had also failed to keep a proper lookout and give way to the motorcycle which had the right of way.

The victim, who suffered serious injuries, was warded for 19 days and given medical leave until September last year.

Rahim could have been fined $3,000 and/or jailed for up to 12 months.