Why do Singaporeans drive so poorly?

Question

I have driven in a few countries in Asia for a couple of years now. I find Singapore drivers to be the least courteous drivers in the region.

Answer 1

As a Singaporean, I agree.

One of my assumption is that, the cars used to be very expensive thus separated the "car-owners" and the "public".(A honda civic cost US$75,000 in 1999)

Now that cars are cheaper (about US$40,500 for a Civic 2007) they started to judge each other with the kind of cars they drive. No respect for "small-car-owners" and the "public". Giving way is never a practice. They sped up to close up the gap, leaving you stuck behind a bus. Watch out for middle aged ladies in BMW 5 series and Indian man with Mercedes. Don't mind the youngsters with sports cars, they just want to race.

Average income in Singapore is US$1250 / month

Answer 2

To some extend I agree with you. I had drive in country like Cambodia too, the drivers there are more courteous and patient, maybe? And after much observation, I found that the different between Singapore's driver and Cambodia's driver influence alot by the road system.

In Singapore, the road is more systematic. Which meant an offence is an offence. Such as cutting of lane, against the flow of traffic and etc. Whereas, in Cambodia, it's seem that there is no straight cut offence. So long you are faster, you got the right of way.

Thus, in Singapore, driver will hon or shout at you if you cut into their lane, but not in Cambodia. As Singapore driver know they got the right of way.

However, in term of skill, I personally feel that Singapore driver are more skillful. I have many friends from Malaysia, who have drive for several years, but can't even do a purpose parallel parking.