Police, Friends of Children

New statistics show that one Indonesian dies on average every hour in traffic accidents, with the total number of deaths having reached 15,762 in 2006, data from the Indonesian police shows according to an article in the Jakarta Post. It means that last 2 year, traffic accident killed 1,300 people every month, 45 every day or two people every hours. Also my daddy, he died suddenly with a traffic accident two years ago. The police said he was deeply concerned that most accidents were caused by people’s ignorance of traffic rules.



Mid November 2008, in my son kindergarten, around 160 children from TK Kartika VIII-1, Jakarta Timur, participated a program called Police, Friends of Children, program initiated by Dikyasa Polda Metro Jaya. They visited kindergarten and elementary school students to teach them about traffic signs and regulations and the work of traffic police. A team of three to four traffic police visits schools to disseminate information on traffic regulations and safety.

The children was so happy. They lesehan (sitting cross-legged on mats), watched TV program, and listened what the Brigadir Yanti and BripkaTyas said. They continued the session with a question about streen sign.

"Who knows this sign?”, Brigadir Ani and Brigadir Yanti asked the children.

“Me, me…!” Angga, one of the children said.

The sign comes complete with traffic signs, transportation simulations and miniature zebra cross for the children. The children and the police looked friendly.

''That’s what we want, this is an opportunity to make kids like police," said Briptu Yudishira.

In general, police are considered "monsters" among school children. Police will also be aimed at educating children to become traffic conscious and obey traffic rules when they become drivers.

The Police urged all motorists to obey traffic rules, including wearing helmets, for their own safety. Many motorcyclists also do not wear helmets as required by law, nor do they provide helmets for their children. Even if the adults are wearing helmets, they sometimes neglect helmets for their children.

“People should use the pedestrian bridge to cross the street whenever possible,” she said.

Throughout the city, for example, entire families can be seen riding motorcycles, including their children -- even infants -- although this is a blatant traffic violation. Traffic regulations limit the capacity of motorcycles to two riders, including the driver.

The parents' driving is also undisciplined, and it is rare that motorists install special car seats for their toddlers or specially designed safety belts for children. Many fathers even seat their children on their laps while driving, with the child holding onto the steering wheel for support.

The police's efforts in promoting road safety, especially to children, however, has yet to attain the desired effect because the young students the importance of the subjects to their futures. ***