Kumaran Raman, 44, faces charges of drink driving and driving without due care after his vehicle collided with a stationary police car on Buyong Road early on May 7, 2025. Following the incident, he was charged on July 16 with breath alcohol levels allegedly at 56mcg per 100ml, exceeding the 35mcg legal limit.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Authorities allege that Raman failed to maintain a proper lookout while operating his vehicle near Orchard Road at approximately 4am. In addition to the drink driving charge, he is accused of causing his vehicle to remain at rest at a junction. His legal proceedings are scheduled to continue with a case mention on August 11.
Did You Know? The current legal limit for breath alcohol in Singapore is 35mcg per 100ml, but proposed legislation introduced on July 7 aims to lower this threshold by more than half to further deter motorists from driving after consuming alcohol.
Road Safety Trends and Legislative Shifts
The incident occurs against a backdrop of rising road traffic concerns in Singapore. According to Traffic Police figures released in February, the total number of people injured in road accidents increased to 9,955 in 2025, up from 9,342 in 2024. Furthermore, traffic-related fatalities reached a 10-year high of 149 in 2025, surpassing the previous peak of 141 recorded in 2016.
Despite the rise in overall casualties, data indicates a slight downward trend in alcohol-related infractions. Arrests for operating vehicles after consuming alcohol fell from 1,788 in 2024 to 1,716 in 2025, and drink-driving accidents decreased from 166 to 156 over the same period. However, the human cost remains consistent, with 12 people dying in drink-driving accidents in both 2024 and 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the specific alcohol level cited in the charges against Kumaran Raman?
He is accused of having at least 56 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath at the time of the incident.
How many people died in drink-driving accidents in 2025?
According to Traffic Police figures, 12 people died in drink-driving accidents in 2025, which is the same number recorded in 2024.
When is the next court mention for this case?
The case is scheduled for mention again on August 11.
Given the rise in overall road traffic fatalities, what additional measures might be necessary to improve safety on Singapore’s roads?
Keep reading
