We asked them to rest and gave them some snacks.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - State-run construction company and toll road business entity (BUJT) PT Hutama Karya (HK) succeeded in reducing road accidents by 40 percent during the Eid al-Fitr exodus period this year through the ‘Microsleep Operation.’

Microsleep is considered the main cause of accidents on toll roads, executive vice president (EVP) of the toll road operations and maintenance division of the company, Dwi Aryono Bayuaji, noted in a statement issued here on Saturday.

Microsleep episodes happen when drivers are very tired, hence, they do not even realize when they fall asleep for a few seconds while driving.

Therefore, the enterprise collaborated with the Lampung Regional Police to conduct the ‘Microsleep Operation’ on the Trans Sumatra Toll Road (JTTS).

“The ‘microsleep operation’ was able to significantly reduce the number of road accidents. We and the local police officers examined a number of car drivers who were suspected to be tired from driving. We asked them to rest and gave them some snacks,” the EVP said.

The drivers were also very cooperative and immediately agreed to rest when they were asked, he added.

"They are aware that safety is important,” he said.

Related news: State losses due to traffic accidents reach Rp246 billion: ministry

According to HK, the number of accidents on the JTTS fell by around 40 percent during Eid this year compared to 2019. People were not allowed to carry out Eid al-Fitr exodus in 2020 and 2021.

The number of accidents was recorded at 10 in 2019. Meanwhile, in 2022, just four accidents were recorded during the exodus period.

Meanwhile, the head of public relations of Lampung Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Zahwani Pandra, attributed the success in reducing the number of accidents to collaboration between the state-owned corporation, police, as well as other stakeholders.

"The success is the collaboration of all parties of the 2022 Ketupat Krakatau Operation carried out from April 28 to May 9, 2022," he said.

During the Eid al-Fitr period, the police deployed several task forces to reduce the number of accidents by simultaneously conducting routine road patrols.

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Translator: Aji Cakti, Uyu Liman
Editor: Suharto
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