Eight people were killed and six others injured in a multiple collision on the Semarang-Solo toll road in Central Java on Friday, April 14th. The incident occurred at 4 a.m. local time when a trailer truck carrying iron hit a minibus traveling in front and then struck six other cars parked on the road shoulder. Six people died at the scene, and another two died while receiving medical treatment at the hospital. Those injured are still receiving medical treatment at two nearby hospitals. The investigation is still underway.
Indonesia is facing the homecoming season when people from urban cities return to their respective hometowns to celebrate Eid with their families. The Transportation Ministry estimates that the number of travelers this year will increase by 46 percent to 123.8 million. These figures indicate that more challenges are expected during the mass exodus season.
In an effort to prevent accidents from happening, the Transportation Ministry has arranged several measures to secure the safety of drivers and passengers during the Eid al-Fitr homecoming season, including ensuring the availability of transportation modes and their services, checking the readiness of Eid al-Fitr homecoming routes, monitoring incidents and solving disruptions which occur on the route in real time, directing homecoming routes, coordinating inter-provincial transportation modes, and preparing clinics and health facilities along the route.
Last year, the government said it would limit the number of motorcycles allowed on main roads in order to prevent highway congestion. The Directorate General of Highways at the Public Works and Housing Ministry stated it would work with local government authorities to set up checkpoints to limit the number of motorcycles from entering the highways during the Eid al-Fitr travel period. The checkpoints would start preventing motorcycles from joining the highways a week before Eid al-Fitr, which is the holiday celebrated at the end of Ramadan.
Although the Directorate General of Highways has made efforts to reduce accidents during the holiday season, there are still a number of risks that drivers and passengers face while driving on the road. Some of the common risks associated with traveling during the Eid al-Fitr holiday season include reckless driving, bad weather conditions, and poor road infrastructures.
While having an enjoyable holiday is important, drivers and passengers should not allow travel-related risks to spoil their holiday. Taking precautions such as ensuring a licensed and experienced driver is in the driver’s seat, checking weather reports before embarking on a trip, and having insurance coverage can make the difference between an enjoyable holiday and a disastrous one.
In conclusion, major improvement in the infrastructure and increased awareness of road safety can help reduce accidents, especially during the Eid al-Fitr holiday season. However, drivers and passengers should also take necessary precautions to guarantee their well-being on the road. With a little bit of caution, everyone can arrive at their destination safely and enjoy an unforgettable Eid holiday with their families.