Learning from the JORR Accident: Here's How to Change a Tyre on the Roadside
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Changing a car tyre on the side of a toll road is often considered a trivial matter. However, this situation carries significant risks if not carried out with the proper safety procedures.
The importance of safety when stopping on the roadside has been brought back into focus following a fatal accident on the Jakarta Outer Ring Road (JORR) KM 56A in the Cakung area, heading towards Rorotan, on Friday (15/5/2026).
The accident involved three vehicles and resulted in two fatalities and one person sustaining serious injuries.
The Head of the Road Patrol Unit (Kasat PJR) of the Traffic Directorate of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Reiki, said the incident began when a box truck stopped on the side of the road due to a flat tyre.
However, during the repair process, the vehicle was suddenly hit from behind by a tractor head.
“According to the driver of the box truck, he was suddenly hit by the tractor. The final position of all three vehicles was on the side of the road, heading north,” said Reiki.
Learning from this incident, drivers need to understand the safe procedures to follow when they have to change a tyre on the side of the toll road.
The Founder & Training Director of Jakarta Defensive Driving Consulting (JDDC), Jusri Pulubuhu, said the first step to take is to ensure the vehicle stops in a safe location.
“First, make sure you stop in a safe place, which is on the left side of the road. Then, check behind you to make sure it is safe before the driver gets out of the car,” said Jusri.
After the situation has been assessed as safe, drivers are advised to immediately place a warning triangle at least 50 meters behind the vehicle. The purpose of this is to give other drivers enough time to reduce their speed or avoid the vehicle.
According to Jusri, this distance is calculated based on the assumption that a vehicle is travelling at 60 kilometres per hour and needs about 32-34 meters to stop after the driver realises there is an obstacle.
“If you cannot change the tyre yourself, it is best to immediately contact the toll operators. They will come and park behind your car,” said Jusri.
He added that the presence of a patrol vehicle behind the stopped car can help increase safety during the tyre changing process.