Right of way
Right of way
For a newcomer, a simple drive across town can be a heart-
stopping experience. A lack of discipline, ignorance of traffic
regulations and the plain absence of courtesy among motorists
make our streets a hazard. Compounding this is the deficient road
infrastructure and the flagrant inconsistency of traffic officers
in enforcing the law.
So much needless suffering occurs as a result. Another six
lives were lost at the Jagorawi toll road on Wednesday just
because a few people were in a personal hurry to get somewhere.
Wednesday's accident on the outskirts of Jakarta threatens to
become a public relations disaster for President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono. The President in this matter is as innocent as those
who died in the crash. However, the fact that the pileup occurred
as police halted speeding traffic to make way for the
presidential entourage will not go unnoticed by a public
disdainful of elite entitlement.
The President's response; to convey his condolences to the
families of the deceased while instructing police to launch a
full investigation; was well-advised and should soften much of
the ire resulting from this tragedy.
Police, however, have been quick, seemingly eager, to blame
everyone but themselves. Three drivers, including one who died in
the accident, have been named suspects. Police have so far
rejected speculation that the traffic was halted abruptly, not
leaving enough time for drivers to brake.
They claim that established procedures were faithfully
executed when stopping the traffic. They further point to
Presidential Decree No. 43/1993 on the priority to give right of
way to certain vehicles.
Nevertheless, they neglected to mention that Government
Regulation No. 8/1990 on Toll Roads clearly stipulates that
vehicles are forbidden from stopping on toll roads and may only
do so in an emergency.
Who is at fault is really not the central issue we should
consider. This tragedy should compel a searching reevaluation of
police procedures and force motorists and traffic police to
reexamine their on-road behavior.
Unless motorists are made to realize that they are responsible
for the safety of others, the number of road casualties will only
increase.
In the first nine months of this year, over 3,110 traffic
accidents have already been reported in the capital, causing the
death of 778 people. These figures are a significant increase
from the whole of 2003 of 1,300 accidents, which claimed 503
lives.
It starts with discipline among each and every one of us.
Respect for even the simplest traffic regulations -- whether it
be as simple as not running a red light -- is needed irrespective
of the presence of a nearby traffic cop. It is also about
courtesy to others; motorists and pedestrians alike.
Stricter controls during the issuance of drivers' licenses are
also needed. Without it being a source of extortion, police
should be more meticulous in issuing licenses.
Police must also be consistent in enforcing traffic
regulations. Punish violators but avoid overzealousness in the
application of duty.
VVIPs have right of way when on state business. Police have a
right to stop or redirect traffic. But this should be done so
with courtesy and consideration for the rights of ordinary
motorists.
It is the arrogant and at times condescending manner in the
way these slight matters are conducted that allow situations to
become exaggerated -- and can cause accidents.