The Incident Unfolds at NUS College of Design and Engineering

On February 6, 2026, at approximately 12:15 PM, an alarming scene played out within the bustling confines of the National University of Singapore (NUS) College of Design and Engineering, located at 2 Engineering Drive 3. An 85-year-old man maneuvered a yellow car onto a narrow pedestrian walkway and along sheltered corridors typically reserved for foot traffic. Eyewitnesses, including students exiting lecture theatres, captured the moment the vehicle slowly navigated spaces crowded with tables where students were seated, coming perilously close to pedestrians. The car eventually halted outside a food stall, drawing a crowd of concerned onlookers who gathered near the driver's door as security personnel approached.

Videos circulating on social media platforms like Instagram highlighted the yellow vehicle's intrusion into these pedestrian-only zones, underscoring the potential danger in a high-density academic environment. NUS, Singapore's flagship university renowned for its engineering programs, saw its daily rhythm disrupted momentarily, but fortunately, swift intervention prevented any collisions.

This event at the College of Design and Engineering—previously known as the Faculty of Engineering—raises questions about access controls in university buildings where students, faculty, and visitors converge daily.

Police Response and Driver's Cooperation

Singapore Police Force (SPF) officers were promptly alerted to the incident. Preliminary investigations revealed that the elderly driver had negligently driven onto the pedestrian walkway within the NUS compound. The 85-year-old man is currently assisting with police inquiries, with no charges announced as of February 7, 2026. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) assessed one individual for minor injuries, who declined hospital transport. An NUS spokesperson confirmed that no university personnel or students were harmed, alleviating immediate fears of casualties.

The driver's actions appear unintentional, possibly stemming from navigational error or momentary lapse, but the breach highlights vulnerabilities in campus perimeters. Police continue their probe into the negligent act, a common charge in traffic intrusions.

Understanding NUS Campus Infrastructure and Pedestrian Flow

NUS spans 150 hectares in Singapore's west, hosting over 38,000 students and emphasizing pedestrian-friendly design to foster collaboration. The College of Design and Engineering features interconnected walkways, sheltered links, and food courts teeming with activity during lunch hours. These paths, often elevated or ramped, prioritize foot traffic amid Singapore's tropical climate, lacking robust vehicular barriers at certain entry points.

Such layouts are standard in Singapore universities like Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore Management University (SMU), where compact urban campuses rely on clear demarcations between roads and walkways. However, service roads and visitor access can inadvertently allow errant vehicles, as seen here.

For higher education professionals managing facilities, ensuring seamless yet secure infrastructure is key. Explore higher education administration jobs focused on campus planning in Singapore.

Singapore's Framework for Elderly Drivers: Medical Fitness Checks Explained

Singapore imposes no upper age limit on driving licenses, balancing independence for seniors with public safety. Drivers aged 65 and above must renew Class 3/3A licenses every three years, submitting a Medical Examination Report from a registered practitioner within two months of renewal. This assesses vision (e.g., minimum 6/12 acuity), hearing, cognitive function, and conditions like dementia or epilepsy.

1. Schedule exam pre-65th birthday or triennially thereafter.
2. Doctor certifies fitness; unfit drivers surrender licenses.
3. SPF reviews reports via online portal.

Despite this, incidents persist, fueling debates on stricter limits. SPF Elderly Driver Guidelines.

Photo by Adismara Putri Pradiri on Unsplash

Rising Traffic Accident Trends: Elderly and Pedestrian Vulnerabilities

In the first half of 2025, Singapore recorded 4,939 road casualties, up 4.3% from 2024, with injury/fatality accidents rising 8.9%. Elderly pedestrian accidents surged 18.4% to 116, accounting for 78.9% of pedestrian deaths (15 fatalities). Drivers 65+ saw a 5% uptick in injury-causing crashes. First nine months of 2025 showed 7.4% more accidents overall.

These stats, from Traffic Police mid-year reports, underscore urban pressures amid aging population (18.4% over 65 by 2030). Universities, with young pedestrians, amplify risks.

Campus Safety Protocols in Singapore Universities

Singapore institutions employ bollards, retractable barriers, CCTV, and signage to segregate vehicular and pedestrian zones. NUS guidelines stress universal design with ramps and clear paths, but post-incident reviews may prompt enhancements like rising arm barriers at building entrances.

• Bollards: Fixed/removable posts preventing vehicle entry.
• Speed humps and lighting on access roads.
• Campus ambassadors and apps for real-time alerts.

NTU's driverless shuttle trials signal tech integration for safer mobility.

Public and Online Reactions: From Humor to Serious Calls for Change

Social media buzzed with clips from @sgfollowsall on Instagram, amassing views amid memes like "NUS drive-thru." Forums like HardwareZone debated license revocation for seniors, while Reddit's r/singapore mixed shock with safety pleas. Students voiced relief at no injuries but urged barriers. Parents highlighted risks for campus visits.

This mirrors broader discourse on vulnerable road users in higher education settings.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Potential Reforms

University admins prioritize incident learning; experts advocate geofencing and AI sensors. Elderly groups stress medical checks suffice, countering ageist bans. Traffic Police campaigns target seniors via Road Safety Days.

For faculty, safe campuses enable focus on teaching. Check academic career advice for roles in safe higher ed environments.

Photo by Shawn on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Innovating University Safety in Singapore

Post-2026, expect bolstered barriers, driver training for campus visitors, and data-driven audits. Singapore's Vision 2030 integrates smart tech for pedestrian havens. Universities like NUS lead with sustainable, secure designs.

Professionals in university jobs will drive these changes. Parents and students can contribute via feedback on platforms like Rate My Professor, extending to campus facilities.

Actionable Insights for Safer Campuses

- Advocate for bollard installations.
- Support senior driving assessments.
- Use campus apps for alerts.
Explore Singapore higher ed opportunities in safe institutions.