When a Branch Decided to Play Rough on a Singapore Taxi
Picture this: it’s a sunny afternoon in Woodlands Avenue 2, the traffic’s humming, and in the middle of the rush, one unlucky driver gets a little “face‑to‑face” with something far from a person. This isn’t a prank call or a rogue street performer; it’s simply a tree branch that decided to drop itself dramatically onto the road.
The Unexpected Prankster
- Fast‑moving William Lee (58) was cruising toward Seletar Expressway at 2:50 p.m. when a branch made a full‑blown departure from the tree.
- His taxi’s lower left side got an unwanted souvenir—an accidental scratch that would only later become a highlight reel.
- Yet William didn’t just drive over the debris. He pivoted into a dramatic U‑turn, unmasking what he jokingly called the “culprit”.
With a dash of sarcasm, he shouted: “The culprit was right there, mocking me, sitting by the curb in the most disgusting manner, and I – I grabbed the culprit by the throat!” He then, in a playful moment that only a weary driver could share, threw the “culprit” onto the ground a few metres away.
Behind the Laughter
He wasn’t as serious as it looked. No stage‑hand, no actual threat. The “culprit” turned out to be a humble, fallen branch captured in a dashboard‑cam snapshot (which can be found anywhere on the internet—no need to embed it).
William chimed in with a clear tone: “I wrote this to snag the attention of fellow road users. I want everyone to pause this moment and think: What if this branch had landed on a passenger or a cyclist?”
Why a Branch Became a Road Safety Lesson
- Branches can be surprisingly hazardous—especially if they’re stuck at the edge and get tossed by a passing vehicle.
- Even a quick detour can dodge a smasher, but it also buys time for the driver to assess the danger and prevent possible injuries to others.
- William told the paper that he noticed the branch quick, turned and the taxi’s only scrape was a temporary scar.
Word From the Folks
The internet did its thing: the post received a swell of support. One user, Billy Goaty, typed out: “Thanks for helping to remove the fallen branches on the road and I like your dress code, smart and professional.” More than smiles, they applauded his sense of humor and macho‑but‑safe approach.
Takeaway — Keep an Eye on the Fence
Should you ever see a winging branch on a sleepy lane, just remember: it’s a good time to check for loose protrusions. Whether you’re a taxi driver like William, a motorcyclist or a cyclist, it’s all about keeping each other safe.
So next time you’re behind the wheel and see a branch flirting with your path, first, check the camera. Then, give it the courtesy William gave the “culprit” – a courteous whistle and a well‑timed pivot. Most importantly, keep the road fun, safe, and if you can spare a laugh, add a quip on Facebook. Vigilance + humor = a great combo for roads.
