The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Negligence on the part of motorists and the poor condition of roads contributed to a large increase in the number of traffic accidents in Greater Jakarta last year.
In 2007, 4,466 traffic accidents were reported in Jakarta, while in 2006 the number of accidents reported was 40 percent less at 3,908 cases, according to data from the Jakarta Police Traffic Management Center (TMC).
Last year, 754 accidents were reported in East Jakarta, which was exactly the same number of accidents reported in the area the previous year.
In North Jakarta, traffic accidents increased by almost 120 percent in 2007, with some 701 accidents reported. The number of accidents in South Jakarta in 2007 increased by 67 percent to 640.
"Most of the accidents involved motorcycles," TMC officer First. Brig. Yoka Mulyadi told The Jakarta Post on Friday.
"The main factor contributing to the huge number of traffic accidents in Jakarta is the negligence of motorists," he added.
Separately, Fransiscus Trisbiantara, the head of transportation studies at Trisakti University, said most motorcycle accidents occurred because riders were unskilled. He said research showed that more than 50 percent of accident victims did not have driving licenses.
He said the poor condition of several roads around the city also contributed to the increasing number of accidents in 2007.
Last year the university joined forces with several other organizations to conduct research into the cause of accidents in Jakarta. Their findings revealed that on average more than 300 casualties were reported in Jakarta per month due to motorcycle accidents.
"Our numbers are higher than police figures because we also checked hospitals," Trisbiantara told the Post.
He said the construction of busway lanes and toll roads also affected road conditions, which in turn had the potential to cause accidents when there were no signs to warn motorists.
To prevent motorcycle accidents, Trisbiantara said police should carry out more raids on motorcycle riders to check their licenses and other documents.
"Police should also enforce regulations that oblige motorcyclists to stay on the left side of the street," he said, adding that the city administration should provide special lanes for motorcyclists.
Police data shows that accidents in 2007 involved 4,296 drivers, with 508 deaths and 2,810 injuries recorded in total.
Last year the Traffic Management Center received more than 700,000 reports and questions covering 16 categories. These included accidents, traffic regulation violations, traffic congestion, driving licenses, vehicle ownership documents, vehicle tax, lost vehicles, vehicle identity queries, gambling, drugs, thuggery, bomb threats, criticism, advice and compliments.
"People often ask us about vehicle identity information before they purchase cars or motorcycles. They want to compare our data with the data given by vehicle sellers," Yoka said.
The center also received 17,755 reports and complaints related to traffic congestion in the city last year.
People can contact the center by sending a text message to 1717, calling 021-5276001, visiting www.lantas.metro.polri.go.id, calling Suara Metro Radio 107,8 FM on 570-8037 or 08121111911 or by sending a fax to 021-5276004. (dia)
No comments:
Post a Comment