Three Singaporeans have been charged after they were allegedly involved in separate traffic accidents while driving under the influence of alcohol. The individuals, Koh Eng Heng, Ashvini Ezhavarasan, and Jovan Lim Jun Jie, face charges of drink driving and causing hurt to others by driving without due care, and attention.
Details of the Alleged Incidents
The charges stem from accidents occurring in 2023 and 2024. In each case, the alleged offenders purportedly had alcohol levels in their breath more than double the prescribed limit of 35 micrograms (mcg) per 100ml.
Koh Eng Heng, 59, is accused of failing to keep a proper lookout on February 18, 2023, around 3.15am. While driving along Jalan Eunos towards Eunos Link, his vehicle allegedly collided with the rear of another car, injuring two men. Court documents indicate Koh had at least 79mcg of alcohol in his breath.
Ashvini Ezhavarasan, 30, was involved in an accident on July 14, 2024, around 10.30pm along Thomson Road towards Lornie Road. Her vehicle allegedly struck a car, which then collided with a third vehicle, causing injuries to two people. She was allegedly found to have at least 95mcg of alcohol in her breath.
Jovan Lim Jun Jie, 36, allegedly collided with another car on July 19, 2024, around 8.30pm while driving along Mandai Avenue towards Yishun Avenue 1. Two people in the other vehicle were injured. Lim is said to have had at least 74mcg of alcohol in his breath.
Legal Implications and Potential Penalties
The legal consequences for these offenses are significant. For drink-driving, a first-time offender could face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $10,000, while repeat offenders may be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $20,000.
causing hurt by driving without due care and attention carries separate penalties. First-time offenders could be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $2,500, with repeat offenders facing up to two years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Road Safety Trends in Singapore
Annual figures released by the Traffic Police in February display a rise in overall road accident injuries, increasing from 9,342 in 2024 to 9,955 in 2025. Despite this, arrests for operating vehicles after consuming alcohol fell from 1,788 to 1,716 in the same period.
Drink-driving accidents too saw a slight decline, with 156 cases in 2025 compared to 166 in 2024. However, twelve people died in drink-driving accidents across 2024 and 2025.
What Happens Next
The legal proceedings for the three individuals are ongoing. Koh Eng Heng is expected to plead guilty on June 18, while Ashvini Ezhavarasan’s case will be mentioned again in court on May 21.
Jovan Lim Jun Jie’s case has been adjourned to May 14. The courts will likely determine the final penalties based on whether the individuals are first-time or repeat offenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prescribed alcohol limit for drivers in Singapore?
The prescribed limit is 35 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol in 100ml of breath.
What are the potential penalties for a first-time drink-driving offense?
A first-time offender can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $10,000.
How many traffic deaths were recorded in Singapore in 2025?
There were 149 traffic deaths in 2025, which is a 10-year high.
How can road users better balance personal responsibility with the increasing dangers of modern traffic?
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