Private-Hire Driver Shares Frustrations Over Road Etiquette, Receives Mixed Reactions on Social Media

A full-time private-hire vehicle (PHV) driver recently shared his frustrations with other road users in Singapore, complaining that many drivers refuse to give way when he signals to change lanes. Posting on the r/askSingapore subreddit on May 4, the driver detailed his experiences, stating that when he attempts to shift lanes, other vehicles either block his way or speed up to close any gaps, making it difficult for him to safely merge.

The PHV driver also observed that drivers of larger vehicles, such as those driving Mercedes-Benz cars, tend to dominate the roads, often refusing to allow other vehicles to pass. “I’m a full-time PHV driver, and many times when I signal to change lanes, I’m either ignored or met with cars speeding up to block the gap,” he wrote. “I also noticed that drivers of big cars like Mercedes tend to hog the road. Do you encounter such drivers, or is it just me?”

The post resonated with many Reddit users, with several sharing similar frustrations. Many drivers expressed concern over the overall decline in road courtesy, noting that it wasn’t just lane-changing maneuvers that were problematic but also a lack of respect for pedestrians at zebra crossings and cyclists on the roads. One Redditor commented, “Driving in Singapore has gone downhill, and it’s evident in all aspects of Singaporean life.”

Others agreed with the observation that some drivers behave as though they “own the road.” Another user added, “I refuse to trust drivers at zebra crossings. I just stand by the side and wait for them to stop before crossing. Half of them actually stop (thank you), and the other half just speed through.”

Some Redditors suggested ways to cope with the situation. One shared their personal approach: “I never expect drivers to slow down to give way to me. It’s either you speed up to filter in or change lanes earlier so you avoid such situations.” Others were less sympathetic, arguing that the concept of changing lanes safely is misunderstood by many drivers in Singapore. “The rule is only change lane when it’s safe to do so. If it’s not safe, don’t change,” one commenter pointed out.

A few users acknowledged that such road behavior had existed before but felt it worsened after a significant traffic accident in Tampines. A Redditor mentioned that, following the deadly six-vehicle pile-up on April 22 at the junction of Tampines Avenue 1 and 4, drivers seemed to be more patient. The crash, which tragically killed two, including a 17-year-old student, sparked further discussions about road safety and the behavior of drivers in Singapore.

While the discussions on Reddit remain divided, it’s clear that the issue of road etiquette and respect among drivers is an ongoing concern for many in the country.