In a startling incident on January 16, 2024, a Singaporean driver garnered attention for an unusual act – sticking baby’s head out of car window at a traffic light. The incident, captured on video and shared on the SG Road Vigilante Facebook group, has sparked both concern and varied reactions from netizens.
Unbelievable Scene Unfolds
The shocking footage shows the driver in question holding his newborn baby out of the car window not once but twice. The driver in the car behind, who recorded the incident, expressed horror in witnessing this reckless act. “He held his newborn baby out of the window like this twice in succession as I watched from the rearview mirror in horror,” the driver wrote in the caption.
Repeated Recklessness
In the video, the man takes the baby from the front seat passenger, extending the baby through the car window. This risky act is then repeated, with the baby placed even further out, before being returned to the companion in the car.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
Comments poured in on the Facebook post, painting a diverse picture of reactions. Some were genuinely concerned, chiding the driver for his recklessness. On the flip side, there were those who downplayed the incident, pointing out that the car was stationary during this peculiar display. A few even threw in some humor, suggesting the driver might be auditioning for a real-life “Lion King” scene.
Safety Regulations Ignored
Singapore’s Road Traffic Act is crystal clear: children below 1.35 meters need proper restraints, booster seats, or adjustable seatbelts, regardless of age. Ignoring this rule can lead to fines up to S$1,000 or even a three-month stint behind bars.
Importance of Proper Child Safety Measures
Let’s zoom in on the importance of ensuring child safety on the road. Guidelines by SingHealth emphasize the use of rear-facing car seats for the first two years of a child’s life. Newborns, in particular, should never be carried in the arms of an adult or swaddled when placed in a car seat. It’s crucial to secure those straps snugly, letting those tiny hands roam free.
Prioritize Child Safety
So, what’s the takeaway from this bizarre incident? Well, besides the obvious shock factor, it serves as a crucial reminder. Sticking a baby’s head out of a car window not only defies traffic laws but poses a genuine risk to the child’s safety. As responsible road users, it’s on us to prioritize the safety of our youngest passengers, ensuring they’re snug and secure for every drive. Stay safe out there, and let’s all be a bit more responsible on the road.
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