Spotting System Faults in AVs, and Strengthening Investigation and Accountability Frameworks as AV Deployment Expands

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question 

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Acting Minister for Transport following the autonomous vehicle collision with a road divider on 17 January 2026

a.      whether investigators are adequately trained to distinguish system faults from human error; and

b.      how will investigation and accountability frameworks be strengthened to safeguard workers supervising these systems as the adoption of autonomous vehicles expands.

Reply by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow: 

1.     The Land Transport Authority partners the Traffic Police as well as fleet operators to conduct investigations involving Autonomous Vehicles (AVs).

2.      AV trials are currently governed by the regulatory sandbox under the Road Traffic Act 1961 as well as the Road Traffic (Autonomous Motor Vehicles) Rules 2017. The sandbox has helped us better understand the technology before wider implementation. The Government is working with unions and key industry stakeholders to review the accountability framework, including introducing AV-specific legislation that sets out clearly the responsibilities and accountability of key AV actors.