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