Forum: Be cautious about over-generalising ‘jaywalking’ term

The recent accident in Chinatown, in which a six-year-old girl died after being hit by a car near the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, has prompted troubling reactions online. Some commenters were quick to ask whether the child was “jaywalking”, as if this alone could explain – or mitigate – a fatal outcome.

It highlights a deeper issue in Singapore’s road safety discourse: The term “jaywalking” has been over-generalised.

While “jaywalking” is frequently cited in police statistics – attributed to over 43 per cent of elderly pedestrian accidents in the first half of 2025 – the casual use of the word masks a complex legal and infrastructural reality.

Under the Code of Conduct for Users of Public Paths, pedestrians are only advised that they “should” cross at a crossing if they have a choice between that and a non-designated crossing. Yet, the public often applies the “jaywalking” label to any collision not on a zebra crossing, regardless of whether a crossing was reasonably available.

When we describe incidents as “jaywalking” without context, we implicitly shift responsibility onto the victim. This is especially problematic in service roads, carparks and residential estates where designated crossings are often absent.

This confusion is exacerbated by a regulatory mindset that disproportionately burdens the vulnerable. The Code of Conduct directs pedestrians to “stay alert” and “refrain from using a mobile communication device”, creating an expectation of hyper-vigilance. Recent Singapore Road Safety Council messaging also instructs pedestrians to “always use designated crossings”. While well-intentioned, such absolute language leaves no room for everyday situations where crossing at non-designated points is unavoidable and lawful.

If we are serious about improving road safety, we must start with clarity in language. The media and authorities should be cautious about applying the “jaywalking” label unless legal conditions are clearly met. We must acknowledge that in a shared public space, the onus of safety cannot rest solely on the reflexes of children and the elderly.

Francis Chu Wa
President
Safety for Active Mobility Users