SINGAPORE - A taxi driver encroached into the path of a motorcyclist after he failed to give way to him, causing the motorcycle to hit his taxi and suffer serious injuries.

On Wednesday (Jan 27), See Cheng Aun, 55, was given the maximum fine of $2,500 and banned from driving for a year after he admitted causing hurt to Mr Koh Joo Cheng, 57, by committing a negligent act to endanger life.

The traffic accident happened at the non-signalised junction of the carpark service road of Block 121 Bedok Reservoir Road and Bedok Reservoir Road on Sept 11, 2014.

Investigations showed that See was driving his taxi along the carpark service road of Block 121 Bedok Reservoir Road that morning when he stopped for about 10 seconds for a few cars at the non-signalised junction of the service road and the two-way Bedok Reservoir Road.

As he was making the right turn into Bedok Reservoir Road towards Kaki Bukit Avenue 1, he failed to give way and encroached into the path of Mr Koh. Mr Koh could not swerve or brake in time and rammed into the taxi.

Mr Koh suffered a cervical spinal injury and multiple facial fractures. He underwent an operation.

He stayed in hospitals for more than three months. A doctor stated that it was unlikely that the victim would return to work, and his permanent incapacity from the neck would be 50 per cent. His condition improved last October when he was able to walk without a walking aid.

See could have been fined and jailed for up to six months.