Attitude of Singaporeans towards road usage

As a trainee, I always like to proclaim that I am a safe driver, almost never exceeding 50kmh. This is always met with 2 typical responses,

1: “But at such a slow speed, aren’t you a danger to people behind you? I hit 70kmh easily” *smug look*
2: “When driving, you have to be confident. Don’t be scared”

Response to the 1st point, the typical speed limit for roads that I am allowed on is 60kmh. You’re telling me that driving 10kmh below the speed limit is being a danger? Not to mention that I have to drive on the slowest lane. This morning, I just found out that someone I know personally has been involved in a fatal accident, because she was driving was at 80kmh and knocked down a student who ran onto the road suddenly. It is just not possible to be able to brake in time at that kind of speed, regardless of how fast your reaction time is.

Response to the 2nd point, I’m not scared about my ability to control the car. On an open road, I am confident I can handle it as well as anybody. What I’m scared about is that other people are unable to handle themselves. People can randomly charge out onto the roads ( Little India, yo? ) and other drivers can happily cut into your lane with no warning. Anybody will agree with me that these are not isolated incidents and happen every day in Singapore. Just yesterday morning I witnessed a ‘live’ accident between 2 vehicles while on my way to work, because one driver was ‘confident’ that nobody would beat the red light, and the taxi was ‘confident’ that he has right-of-way from turning traffic.

I wonder where does this cowboy road attitude come from? Is it just because its in common practice, then  everybody else has to follow? ( let’s not get into seatbelts, people ). I suppose my own view is coloured by the fact that I have been a road cyclist for years. As a cyclist, you cannot take any chances that a vehicle will give you right-of-way, as pretty any collision will result in you getting hurt badly. ( I know because I actually got into a light collision before )

Conclusion:
Laugh all you want, I’m driving safely and keeping my seatbelt on. Not happy? Drive yourself.