Cameras useful but not foolproof
During a collision, motorcyclists are always at a disadvantage, admitted Mr Ong Kim Hua, president of the Motorcycle Safety and Sports Club.
"They are usually the ones that suffer more serious injuries. It is a risk that comes with riding a motorcycle," he added.
However, Mr Ong pointed out that there are ways for motorcyclists to protect themselves, such as using cameras mounted on their motorcycles or helmets to record what had happened. However, there is a limitation.
"Cameras on bikes are more complicated than the ones in cars. When the rider falls off the bike, the camera follows suit and it pretty much becomes useless after that," he said.
Singapore Safety Driving Centre operations manager Gerard Pereira also supported the use of front and rear cameras on motorcycles but discouraged those mounted on helmets.
"These cameras are not only expensive because the market for them is so small, but they are also quite troublesome. Riders have to keep charging batteries and switch them on and off," he said.
"Especially in hit-and-run cases, the rider is always hit from the back or even the sides. By the time the other vehicle drives away, the rider might have fallen off the bike."
Mr Ong and Mr Pereira said hit-and-run cases are tricky because they often depend on the other motorists' conscience to do the right thing.
Making up 48 per cent of all road traffic deaths last year, motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable, said the experts.
"Cameras on motorcycles are useful only to a certain extent. The most important thing is for all road users to abide by traffic rules," said Mr Ong.
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