Changing driver mentality the key<\/p>\n
From Media Indonesia<\/p>\n
News of a bus crash -- which forces passengers to stop midway
\nthrough their journey, often with some people ending up in
\nhospital or at the morgue -- shocks all the parties concerned.<\/p>\n
In terms of frequency, these sorts of accidents seem to be
\ndaily news. However, dealing with these incidents seems to be
\nmore reactive than proactive. So, reports in print or other media
\nshould not come as a shock.<\/p>\n
It is generally concluded that drivers are the \"culprits\" and
\nhence the President's statement that \"there is no room for unruly
\ndrivers\".<\/p>\n
Driving must be a real delight when all road users have a
\nsense of discipline and comply with the road rules. Obviously the
\nMinister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto shoulders the
\nresponsibility of creating such a traffic situation.<\/p>\n
Let me now cite the following example as an illustration of
\nwhat a good and disciplined bus driver is like.<\/p>\n
In 1987 I went from Amsterdam, Holland, to Copenhagen in
\nDenmark on a tourist bus. The bus comfortably and safely motored
\nalong an interstate highway which allows high speed travel. On
\nthe way, the bus pulled off at a resting place for drinks
\nalthough none of the passengers asked the driver to stop. This
\noccurrence did not happen by itself. Regulations to this end have
\nlong been enforced.<\/p>\n
These regulations, which we may apply in our own country, are
\nas follows:<\/p>\n
1. The speedometer of the bus contains a special instrument
\nwhich records the speed of the bus every minute. The data is used
\nto compile speed charts. A sanction will be imposed on the driver
\nif he or she exceeds the speed limit.<\/p>\n
2. After eight hours a driver must have a rest. (The bus has
\nonly one driver and there is no assistant or substitute driver).
\nThe recorded speed chart will show \"zero\" during the hours a
\ndriver takes a rest.<\/p>\n
3. After completing a particular route, the driver will
\npresent the paper speed charts to the management of the bus
\ncompany, which in turn passes it to the traffic police.<\/p>\n
4. The speed chart is analyzed at the police station (no
\npolice officers settle anything on the road).<\/p>\n
5. If a particular regulation is violated, the bus company
\nwill have to pay a fine and the driver will be dishonorably
\ndismissed or, at least, undergo a refresher course conducted by
\nthe traffic police.<\/p>\n
If all these things are put into practice here, the mentality
\nof bus drivers would change for the better and traffic conditions
\nin Indonesia would improve.<\/p>\n
May this letter inspire the authorities, particularly those in
\nthe Ministry of Transportation.<\/p>\n
GURITNO SOERJODIBROTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/changing-driver-mentality-the-key-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }