Man dies on toll road, awareness of safe traffic is still minimal

The death of the man on the toll road and other cases show the lack of awareness of complying with road safety rules.

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

Traffic jam after office hours on the Inner City Toll Road and Jalan MT Haryono, East Jakarta, Monday (1/4/2024).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — An unidentified man was found dead lying on the road Inner City Toll Road, Tomang, West Jakarta, Tuesday (16/4/2024) evening WIB. This accident case shows that there is still minimal compliance with safety rules for all road users.

Head of Accident Section Traffic Traffic Directorate Polda Metro Jaya Commissioner Diella Kartika Artha, when confirmed, said that a man was wearing a green shirt and Light brown trousers appear to be entering the Km 13 +700 Inner City Toll Road, line A, Tomang towards Semanggi.

"Allegedly hit, we are still investigating. The deceased victim has no identity at all. It is still uncertain whether they were crossing the road or what happened, as we are still examining CCTV footage and witnesses," said Diella on Wednesday (17/4/2024).

Also read: All Japek Toll Road Accident Victims Identified, Heirs Receive Compensation

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI (RZF)

Kuningan I Toll Gate, South Jakarta, Wednesday (29/1/2020).

Safety standards

The death of a man on the toll road and other cases that result in fatalities show the low level of awareness in obeying traffic safety regulations.

According to transportation observer Muslich Zainal Asikin, from pedestrians, cyclists, to motorcyclists and car drivers, they are still far from safe when on the road, especially on toll roads.

"It is necessary to immediately investigate how the man was able to enter the toll road. Everyone has the same right to obtain safety assurance from the results of the investigation later. This shows partiality towards road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists," said Muslich.

Special facilities for pedestrians and bicycle users, said Muslich, cannot just be built or simply exist. The facility must observe safety standards.

"The standard is that the facilities should be friendly to pedestrians and cyclists, even for those with disabilities. Infrastructure facilities that are built without considering this will make people lazy to use them and choose shortcuts, which can lead to reckless behavior. However, this can be very dangerous," he said.

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

Crossing bridge on Jalan Dewi Sartika, Cawang, Jakarta, Wednesday (18/1/2023).

Everyone has the same right to guarantee safety.

Not only pedestrians and cyclists, but also bus fleets often stop indiscriminately on the shoulder of the toll road. Loose regulations, coupled with a lack of supervision and strict sanctions, allow bus drivers to freely drop off passengers, even if it is very dangerous.

This should serve as a note for the government to evaluate toll road sections that neglect the safety of their users. Bus drivers will not dare to drop off passengers if there are strict regulations and sanctions. In addition, bus drivers will not dare to act recklessly by stopping and dropping off passengers indiscriminately if the toll road and public road connecting gaps are closed.

"The facility that was built is actually intended to facilitate violations. Because the lack of strict enforcement is considered normal and reasonable, stopping and dropping passengers anywhere is allowed. Do not punish the driver, but take firm action against the bus owner to make them deterred. Also ensure that there are no rogue officials involved," he explained.

KOMPAS/FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

A number of motorbike riders use the pedestrian path on Jalan Tambak, Jakarta, Tuesday (30/1/2024).

Also read: Bike to Work Revokes Jakarta's Status as a Bicycle Friendly City

Not only on toll roads, Muslich continued, on public roads, the safety facilities standard is still very minimal and risky, causing accidents and casualties. Starting from public transportation (angkot) or buses that can suddenly turn left to drop off passengers. Then, the acquisition of pedestrian lanes by motorcycles, to bicycle lanes that are turned into parking spaces for motorcycles and cars.

From several cases of accidents and disorder in safety regulations on the road, according to Muslich, Indonesia must learn from other advanced countries in traffic safety facilities and prioritizing road users without exception.

“Everyone has the same right to safety assurance. We, as good citizens, have paid our taxes. Therefore, the government should provide standard safety facilities for all road users, such as toll roads. Don't just facilitate those who have cars and can afford to pay, but also provide friendly infrastructure for other road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists," he said.