# Autonomous Vehicle Safety Scrutiny Intensifies Following Punggol Near-Miss Incidents Singapore regulators suspend specific autonomous testing routes after two separate traffic near-accidents in Punggol. - **Source:** [The Independent SG](https://theindependent.sg) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [technology](https://brifing.si/c/technology) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f5d8a5ce-b087-4f9b-8193-4daf6a58eba4 ## Punggol Traffic Safety Concerns On November 5, two separate near-miss incidents involving autonomous vehicles occurred in Punggol, triggering immediate regulatory intervention. A Grab shuttle nearly struck a schoolgirl during a left turn, while a ComfortDelGro vehicle nearly collided with another car while attempting a U-turn. These events have sparked significant public concern regarding pedestrian safety. ## Grab Shuttle Incident Details The Grab incident occurred at 8:11 a.m. when an autonomous shuttle performed a discretionary left turn. A 36-second video circulating on social media shows the vehicle approaching a young pedestrian before slowing down at the last moment. Grab is currently reviewing the technical data of this specific maneuver with the Land Transport Authority. ## ComfortDelGro Testing Suspension ComfortDelGro has been ordered to suspend all U-turn testing at a specific Punggol junction following a dashcam video released on November 8. The footage depicts their autonomous vehicle moving into the path of an oncoming car. This test was part of an enhanced on-demand service route, distinct from their existing shuttle operations. ## Regulatory Oversight and Investigations The Land Transport Authority is actively investigating both incidents to determine the root causes of these navigation failures. As a precautionary measure, they have directed operators to pause specific testing activities. These investigations aim to clarify whether the autonomous systems correctly identified traffic flow and pedestrian presence at the affected junctions. ## Technology Partners and Fleet Grab utilizes autonomous vehicles developed by WeRide, while ComfortDelGro operates units supplied by Pony.ai. Grab currently manages two routes in Punggol and has previously announced plans to expand its fleet from 10 to 50 vehicles. These partnerships are now under intense scrutiny as companies attempt to scale their driverless transport services. ## Public Reaction and Warnings Local residents and online observers have urged parents to exercise extreme caution when children cross roads near autonomous vehicle routes. The incidents have highlighted a critical gap in public trust, as pedestrians are now being advised to remain vigilant even when they possess the right of way at green traffic lights. ## Operational Expansion Challenges The incidents occur as Singapore pushes to integrate point-to-point autonomous services into residential areas. While these vehicles offer potential mobility benefits, the shared road environment creates complex interactions with human drivers and pedestrians. The current review process will likely dictate the pace at which these future transport services are officially deployed. ## Future Safety Implications These near-misses underscore the inherent risks of testing autonomous technology in active, high-traffic residential zones. Moving forward, the industry must demonstrate that safety protocols can reliably handle unpredictable human behavior. Authorities must now balance the drive for technological innovation with the absolute necessity of protecting vulnerable road users from potential harm. ## Sources covering this story - [The Independent SG — Grab Autonomous Shuttle Near-Miss Incident in Punggol Sparks Safety Concerns](https://theindependent.sg/grab-s-driverless-shuttle-nearly-hits-schoolgirl-at-traffic-crossing-in-punggol-raising-safety-concerns-about-autonomous-vehicles-in-singapore) - [Source — ComfortDelGro Suspends Autonomous Vehicle U-Turn Tests After Punggol Near-Miss](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/comfortdelgro-to-stop-u-turn-testing-for-avs-at-punggol-junction-after-near-miss-lta-investigating) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._