How To Reduce Truck Accident Rates Due To Blong Brakes, Experts Propose More Strict Sanctions

Photo illustration. (Doc. Pexels)

JAKARTA - The accident that occurred at the exit crossing of the Bawen Toll Road, Semarang, Central Java on Saturday, September 23, 2023, has been in the main spotlight in talks about road safety. This incident adds to the list of accidents caused by brake problems and the negligence of truck drivers who do not understand the braking system on their vehicles. However, is the sanction imposed on the accident perpetrators quite firm?

According to Jusri Pulubuhu, a Highway Safety practitioner and founder of Jakarta Defensive Driving Consulting (JDDC), countries outside Indonesia have implemented high safety standards with strict sanctions for the main perpetrators in traffic accidents.

"First, safety has become a lifestyle abroad. Second, there are countries where people may not always be aware, but the state emphasizes safety as a rule. So that sanctions are applied firmly and strictly," said Jusri in an interview with VOI, Monday, September 25.

He argues that in Indonesia, if sanctions and penalties are applied more firmly, this could help reduce the number of accidents.

"If safety socialization is difficult to implement in Indonesia and the people do not fully understand it, then use stricter sanctions," said Jusri.

Jusri also noted that cases like this often occur in various places in Indonesia, but often do not get enough attention from entrepreneurs, the government, and the public.

"This is due to the lack of collaboration and joint contribution from stakeholders such as entrepreneurs, the government, and the community in an effort to improve safety on the highway," said Jusri.

Currently, the police have named AR, the truck driver who caused the accident at the exit crossing of the Bawen Toll Road, Semarang, Central Java, as a suspect. The truck with the police number AD-8911-IA drove down the downhill lane and was suspected of having a brake problem when it reached the intersection of the Bawen Toll Road. As a result, the truck hit a number of vehicles that stopped at traffic lights, resulting in three people dying and heavy losses to the vehicle.