'Seat belts no guarantee of safety for motorists'

Starting Nov. 5, all cars must be equipped with seat belts, while drivers and front seat passengers must use seat belts to protect them in case of traffic accidents. After a six-month introductory period, Law No. 14/1992 on traffic will be enforced. Violators will be charged with a Rp 1 million (US$117.65) fine and a one- month prison sentence. The Jakarta Post talked to some people about the issue.

Nani, 39, is a florist who lives in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, with her husband and four children:

Why should I use a seat belt if I can ignore the regulation just by bribing corrupt policemen? I can make an excuse even though I know it's wrong.

For the time being, I will comply with the traffic regulation, including using seat belts, while observing the real implementation on the streets.

If law enforcers really take the matter seriously, I'm sure we all will obey the regulation. Otherwise, we can just pay those officers Rp 10,000 (US$1.18) and get off free.

Roy, 45, is a senior employee at a hotel on Jl. M.H. Thamrin, Central Jakarta. She lives in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, with her husband:

Using seat belts is for motorists' safety. The regulation is positive although reckless drivers and owners of cars not fitted with seat belts will object to it.

I wear a seat belt on the way to the office because it's for my own safety.

I ask the police to keep monitoring the regulation. I'm afraid the absence of close monitoring will enable lawbreakers to violate the regulation and the presence of corrupt officers will justify their wrongdoing. A rule is a rule and that's all there is to it!

Adwin, 32, is an employee with a construction company in Cilandak, South Jakarta. He lives in Bekasi:

I never use seat belts when driving because I don't think that they are necessary. I wonder what they are really for. Is it too dangerous to drive slowly as there is always heavy traffic congestion.

It may be necessary to use seat belts when driving fast on a long trip. But Jakarta is not the place for driving fast, right?

Except in the case of a serious car accident, I don't think seat belts will guarantee our safety. However, it's far better to comply with the regulation and use seat belts rather than to be fined or ticketed.

I just wonder why law enforcers are busy with the new regulation. Cracking down on corrupt officers and finding solutions to the constant traffic jams are far more urgent than monitoring the use of seat belts.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.