How they tended to drive at high speeds and made maneuvers that had the potential to trigger accidents.Padang (ANTARA News) - Some 90 percent of road accidents were caused by negligence, Dr Yosafra, a public transportation expert from the University of Andalas (Unand), said here Thursday.
Drivers tended to be impatient, violated traffic regulations and drove in ways that endangered public safety, he said, commenting on police data of traffic accidents during Idul Fitri holidays from August 13 to August 21.
There were 3,600 road accidents that claimed 638 lives during this period, according to police reports.
Further, a survey in Padang city indicated that 60-70 percent of motor bikers did not abide by traffic regulations and ignored traffic signs.
The survey detailed how they tended to drive at high speeds and made maneuvers that had the potential to trigger accidents.
He also called on authorities to launch a campaign on traffic safety and create strict testing for those seeking drivers licenses.
Dr Yosafra added that he had once surveyed 50 students, of whom 45 have drivers licenses, though only 10 had obtained their licenses through official procedures.
As a consequence, most of the driving license holders were not familiar with traffic regulations and did not have the proper skills needed to drive safely, he noted.
Compared to other countries, Indonesia`s driving license procedures are rather loose, and therefore road accident rates in this country remain high, he said.
(Uu.F001/INE/KR-BSR)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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