Changing driver mentality the key
Changing driver mentality the key
From Media Indonesia
News of a bus crash -- which forces passengers to stop midway through their journey, often with some people ending up in hospital or at the morgue -- shocks all the parties concerned.
In terms of frequency, these sorts of accidents seem to be daily news. However, dealing with these incidents seems to be more reactive than proactive. So, reports in print or other media should not come as a shock.
It is generally concluded that drivers are the "culprits" and hence the President's statement that "there is no room for unruly drivers".
Driving must be a real delight when all road users have a sense of discipline and comply with the road rules. Obviously the Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto shoulders the responsibility of creating such a traffic situation.
Let me now cite the following example as an illustration of what a good and disciplined bus driver is like.
In 1987 I went from Amsterdam, Holland, to Copenhagen in Denmark on a tourist bus. The bus comfortably and safely motored along an interstate highway which allows high speed travel. On the way, the bus pulled off at a resting place for drinks although none of the passengers asked the driver to stop. This occurrence did not happen by itself. Regulations to this end have long been enforced.
These regulations, which we may apply in our own country, are as follows:
1. The speedometer of the bus contains a special instrument which records the speed of the bus every minute. The data is used to compile speed charts. A sanction will be imposed on the driver if he or she exceeds the speed limit.
2. After eight hours a driver must have a rest. (The bus has only one driver and there is no assistant or substitute driver). The recorded speed chart will show "zero" during the hours a driver takes a rest.
3. After completing a particular route, the driver will present the paper speed charts to the management of the bus company, which in turn passes it to the traffic police.
4. The speed chart is analyzed at the police station (no police officers settle anything on the road).
5. If a particular regulation is violated, the bus company will have to pay a fine and the driver will be dishonorably dismissed or, at least, undergo a refresher course conducted by the traffic police.
If all these things are put into practice here, the mentality of bus drivers would change for the better and traffic conditions in Indonesia would improve.
May this letter inspire the authorities, particularly those in the Ministry of Transportation.
GURITNO SOERJODIBROTO
Jakarta