Right of way<\/p>\n
For a newcomer, a simple drive across town can be a heart-
\nstopping experience. A lack of discipline, ignorance of traffic
\nregulations and the plain absence of courtesy among motorists
\nmake our streets a hazard. Compounding this is the deficient road
\ninfrastructure and the flagrant inconsistency of traffic officers
\nin enforcing the law.<\/p>\n
So much needless suffering occurs as a result. Another six
\nlives were lost at the Jagorawi toll road on Wednesday just
\nbecause a few people were in a personal hurry to get somewhere.<\/p>\n
Wednesday's accident on the outskirts of Jakarta threatens to
\nbecome a public relations disaster for President Susilo Bambang
\nYudhoyono. The President in this matter is as innocent as those
\nwho died in the crash. However, the fact that the pileup occurred
\nas police halted speeding traffic to make way for the
\npresidential entourage will not go unnoticed by a public
\ndisdainful of elite entitlement.<\/p>\n
The President's response; to convey his condolences to the
\nfamilies of the deceased while instructing police to launch a
\nfull investigation; was well-advised and should soften much of
\nthe ire resulting from this tragedy.<\/p>\n
Police, however, have been quick, seemingly eager, to blame
\neveryone but themselves. Three drivers, including one who died in
\nthe accident, have been named suspects. Police have so far
\nrejected speculation that the traffic was halted abruptly, not
\nleaving enough time for drivers to brake.<\/p>\n
They claim that established procedures were faithfully
\nexecuted when stopping the traffic. They further point to
\nPresidential Decree No. 43\/1993 on the priority to give right of
\nway to certain vehicles.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, they neglected to mention that Government
\nRegulation No. 8\/1990 on Toll Roads clearly stipulates that
\nvehicles are forbidden from stopping on toll roads and may only
\ndo so in an emergency.<\/p>\n
Who is at fault is really not the central issue we should
\nconsider. This tragedy should compel a searching reevaluation of
\npolice procedures and force motorists and traffic police to
\nreexamine their on-road behavior.<\/p>\n
Unless motorists are made to realize that they are responsible
\nfor the safety of others, the number of road casualties will only
\nincrease.<\/p>\n
In the first nine months of this year, over 3,110 traffic
\naccidents have already been reported in the capital, causing the
\ndeath of 778 people. These figures are a significant increase
\nfrom the whole of 2003 of 1,300 accidents, which claimed 503
\nlives.<\/p>\n
It starts with discipline among each and every one of us.
\nRespect for even the simplest traffic regulations -- whether it
\nbe as simple as not running a red light -- is needed irrespective
\nof the presence of a nearby traffic cop. It is also about
\ncourtesy to others; motorists and pedestrians alike.<\/p>\n
Stricter controls during the issuance of drivers' licenses are
\nalso needed. Without it being a source of extortion, police
\nshould be more meticulous in issuing licenses.<\/p>\n
Police must also be consistent in enforcing traffic
\nregulations. Punish violators but avoid overzealousness in the
\napplication of duty.<\/p>\n
VVIPs have right of way when on state business. Police have a
\nright to stop or redirect traffic. But this should be done so
\nwith courtesy and consideration for the rights of ordinary
\nmotorists.<\/p>\n
It is the arrogant and at times condescending manner in the
\nway these slight matters are conducted that allow situations to
\nbecome exaggerated -- and can cause accidents.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/right-of-way-1447899208",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}