A Singaporean motorcyclist, Randy Tan, survived a harrowing crash on Malaysia’s North-South Highway while returning to Singapore from Johor Bahru (JB).
The accident, caused by a sudden brake check from a car, left him injured but alive—thanks to the full protective gear he was wearing.
A Routine Ride Turns Tragic
On the day of the accident, Tan set out for a casual ride, stopping at Batu Pahat to visit his grandmother’s grave and grab a quick meal. Though it was late, and he briefly considered staying overnight, he decided to make the journey home.
The ride back was scenic and uneventful until night fell. On the North-South Highway, a car suddenly swerved into his lane and brake-checked him.
He attempted to avoid a collision by lane-splitting but found himself boxed in. Unable to stop in time, he collided with a car ahead.
Injuries Sustained in the Crash
Tan’s motorcycle skidded, pinning his left leg underneath it before slamming into the highway’s center railing.
His injuries included multiple sprains across his left side—shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and foot—and abrasions on his left ankle and wrist.
Fortunately, he suffered no fractures or dislocations, a fact he attributes entirely to the high-quality protective gear he was wearing.
Help Arrives on the Highway
Passersby stopped to help Tan, lifting his bike off him and diverting traffic to ensure his safety. Despite the language barrier—locals stepped in, and his cousin in Malaysia remotely arranged translation assistance.
Although a Malaysian hospital assessed him, it lacked the capacity for severe treatment and provided only basic medication. Tan later sought further evaluation in Singapore.
Protective Gear Saved His Life
Reflecting on the incident, Tan emphasized the importance of wearing proper riding gear. His full-face helmet cracked upon impact, his gloves tore, and his boots’ toe sliders were ground down—yet they protected him from more severe injuries.
“If I wasn’t wearing gear, I would’ve lost my leg or, at the very least, broken my foot and ankle,” Tan shared.
Lessons Learned
The crash taught Tan three critical lessons:
- Avoid riding alone in unfamiliar areas.
- Not to ride on dark or poorly lit roads at night.
- Always invest in high-quality safety gear.
Undeterred by the Crash
Despite the traumatic experience, Tan remains committed to riding. He cited the financial practicality of motorcycles over cars in Singapore and the sense of freedom that riding gives him.
“I ride because I like it. Nothing else makes me feel as physically free as riding,” he said.
While the accident left him shaken, fellow motorcyclists should take note of how the vital role protective gear plays in preventing life-altering injuries.
Watch his video for more:
@bunnycurlsenpai Damn L bruh but I’m just glad to be alive and have all 4 limbs intact. Glad I did maintenance on the bike the day before this happened, some might say waste money but I feel it kept me from getting worse injuries #sgfyp #sgtiktok #sgrider #sgbikers #biketok #fypシ #xyzabc #jctok
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Singapore Worker from Malaysia Beheaded in Motorcycle Crash on Way Home
Singaporean Motorist Helps Stranded JB Biker On His Way Home
“Must Be Their First Time Driving in JB”—Singaporean Car Gets Stuck in Johor Motorbike Lane
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