Public Participation Key to Reducing Road Accident Fatalities During Eid 2026 Exodus
The Bantargebang tragedy stands as evidence of systemic failure. Public participation, particularly among holiday travellers, is key to reducing road traffic accident fatalities during the 2026 Eid holiday exodus.
“We know that human factors are the dominant trigger for road traffic accidents. Therefore, holiday travellers need to heighten low-risk traffic awareness in order to reduce accident fatalities on the road,” said Edo Rusyanto, coordinator of the Jarak Aman (Safe Distance) road safety action network, during a safe and secure driving discussion held by Jarak Aman in Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 March.
He emphasised that public participation plays a significant role in reducing both road traffic accident cases and fatalities. This can be achieved by understanding the potential for accidents whilst driving, including implementing healthy and safe holiday travel management.
“Holiday travellers need to prepare themselves as thoroughly as possible before travelling and must rest consistently in order to maintain fitness and concentration whilst driving,” advised Edo Rusyanto.
Edo believes that the reduction in cases and fatalities during the 2025 Eid exodus was not only the result of synergy among road safety stakeholders but also included the element of public participation. This participation takes the form of awareness about the importance of safe and secure road travel.
“Citing data from the 2025 Ketupat Operation by Korlantas Polri, accident cases during that period fell by approximately 31 per cent, whilst fatalities or deaths fell by 53 per cent,” explained Edo Rusyanto.
He clarified that the 2025 Ketupat Operation data indicated 3,181 accident cases resulting in 787 deaths.
Meanwhile, Lilik Andi Baryono, senior trainer at Global Defensive Driving Consulting (GDDC), stated that everything becomes irrelevant once an accident occurs. Accidents not only damage health but also property, time, and future prospects or careers.
“Therefore, accidents must be prevented. We know that the common cause of accidents is the failure to anticipate situations whilst driving,” said Lilik.
One factor triggering the failure to anticipate situations whilst driving is driver fatigue. To counter fatigue, drivers should rest for approximately 15-20 minutes every 2 hours of driving. “In addition, avoid excessive caffeine consumption and increase water intake,” added Lilik.