Tips for Idul Fitri holiday travelers

JAKARTA (JP): Traveling by car during the Idul Fitri Holidays requires careful preparation.

Several tips are offered for those who plan to tackle the roads in their cars.

Freddie Sutrisno from Indomobil Group says there are a number of important steps toward making journeys safe and enjoyable.

The first thing first is to check your health and stamina before you embark a long-distance trip.

Then do the same for your car, have it checked by a reliable mechanic a few days before leaving to ensure it is in good condition.

"It is the rainy season, so you are likely to encounter serious traffic jams and flood-prone roads on the way to your hometown," he said.

Before setting off check your car engine, including the radiator. Open the radiator pressure cap and check the ring inside the cap and inspect the rubber and spring. If it is old or worn buy a new cap. Also ensure you have a clean air filter so the engine will run better.

Checking the tires is very important. Driving with bald tires is very dangerous especially on toll roads.

It could well rain heavily on the way, so pay attention to your windshield wipers and replace old rubbers. Serious attention should also be given to your fan belt, the engine oil and the brake fluid.

Check your handbrake to make sure it works properly. "The handbrake is very important if you are trapped in a traffic jam. Use the handbrake instead of your clutch in such conditions," Sutrisno said.

If you can't fix your own car, get a professional mechanic.

Once your car is ready to roll it is now up to you.

You must be a smart driver if you want to reach your destination safely.

Many people on the roads at Idul Fitri are "Sunday drivers" meaning they only drive their cars on weekends.

"Some of them have lost their driving sense and skills. It is advisable to get used to driving your car a few weeks before the trip," he said.

Be careful around the new and inexperienced drivers you might see. "They are not yet able to drive properly and might cause traffic accidents," he said.

Take a rest every two hours. It will enhance your stamina and ease your stiff muscles.

Stop immediately if you feel very sleepy. "Sleepy drivers can kill their passengers," he warned.

Take your map and obey traffic regulations.

If you do have any problems with your car there are a handful of Idul Fitri posts and makeshift car repair shops available along Java's main routes.

To monitor traffic on the toll roads, motorists can turn Sonora radio station on 100.9 FM or call Jasa Marga at 8011735.

A number of car companies including the Indomobil Group, Toyota and Opel in cooperation with Telkomsel will provide free- of-charge lines for travelers on several main routes in Java.

For directions on how to reach the nearest 24-hour makeshift repairshop, just call 992 for the Indomobil Group, 991 for Toyota and 993 for Opel.

Temporary repairshops will be found in the following places.

Indomobil Group

1. Setopan Sentul

2. Restaurant Jatiwangi Cipanas

3. Cilegon

4. Nagrek

5. Cikampek-Purwakarta

6. Ciranjang

7. Cikampek-Cirebon

8. Alas Roban (Central Java)

9. Mantingan-Madiun 10. Pasir Putih, Pasuruan

Toyota

1. Tol Jakarta-Cikampek

2. Cikampek

3. Cipayung

4. Gunung Mas

5. Cipanas

6. Purwakarta

7. Cipatat

8. Nagrek

9. Bawen 10. Alas Roban 11. Mantingan, Madiun 12. Gempol 13. Pasir Putih 14. Batu Malang 15. Mengkreng Kertosono

Opel

1. Cilegon

2. Cikampek

3. Puncak

4. Nagrek

5. Cirebon

6. Alas Roban

7. Pasir putih

8. Caruban, Madiun

9. Gilimanuk