Let’s be real: driving in Singapore is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a curious cocktail of surgical efficiency (many drive like they’re rushing for surgery!), pent-up kiasu energy, and the occasional sprinkle of unexpected kindness that leaves you momentarily stunned. It is almost as if Singa just waved at you from a Kia Soul.

You see it first in carparks. Parallel parking becomes an Olympic sport and God forbid you inch slightly toward someone’s “choped” lot. Suddenly, you’re in a silent turf war with a Honda Fit. Indicators? Optional. Reverse lights? A vague suggestion. And if someone gives up their lot to you by indicating with a friendly honk and a wave? Get down on your knees and propose. They’re an endangered species.

Where Courtesy Meets Competition

Drivers in disagreement. Source: Shutterstock

Then comes the Great Escape: merging onto anything ranging from expressways to the much dreaded two lanes becoming one. Here’s where the real fun begins. Merging in Singapore is a social experiment in passive aggression. Most drivers will speed up just to deny you entry. Others pretend not to see you—even if your indicator has been on since Tuas. But once in a while, a saint slows down, waves you in, and restores your faith in humanity… for all of three minutes.

Let’s talk about lane discipline. Or rather, the lack of it. Somehow, “keep left unless overtaking” is interpreted as “hog the lane like it’s your birthright.” And if you dare to signal before changing lanes? God forbid. You’ll be punished for your optimism. Drivers here treat indicators as a declaration of war: “Oh, you want to change lanes? Bring it on!”

Grace in the Grind of Traffic

“Kindness on the road isn’t just about being nice. It’s about being human.”

But amidst the chaos, there are these little golden nuggets of kindness. Like the uncle who slows down for pedestrians at zebra crossings without glaring at them like they owe him money or the pedestrians at zebra crossings who don’t treat it like they’re a model on a runway. These rare acts shine so brightly because they contrast so starkly with the daily grind of horns, high beams, and road rage.
So, what does all this say about us?

I would like to assume that Singaporean drivers are kind, though some might be a little self-centred (regardless of car brand), but generally, they’re just tired, stressed, and time-starved. But I would like to assume that underneath the metal shell and tinted windows, there is empathy. It just needs more road space to breathe. Maybe we’re all so busy surviving the 9-to-5 (and the ERP gantry) that we forget driving is a shared experience. A small wave. A little patience. A moment of grace. It can make a difference.

Kindness on the road isn’t just about being nice. It’s about being human. So the next time you’re tempted to cut off that poor soul trying to merge? Take a breath. Emulate Singa.

Remember. we could all use a little more magic in traffic. So, let’s Be Greater!

What kindness have you encountered on the roads? Let us know!