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.