As I ride my bike down Jl. Nasional and oncoming traffic zooms past me on both my right and my left, I often wonder about the traffic culture of Meulaboh. How old do children need to be to drive a motorcycle? Is there a speed limit? What is the number I call if I get into an accident? These questions, among others, race through my mind every time I put on my bicycle helmet and brave the city traffic.
In an effort to answer my questions and to satisfy the inquiring minds of the My Meulaboh readers, Deputy Andi S. Taufik (Pak Wakapolres) from the Meulaboh Police Department shared his knowledge about the local traffic culture, as well as what to do if you have an accident on the road. Whether you drive a car, motorcycle, bicycle, or becak, let’s see what you know about Meulaboh’s rules of the road:
1. How old do you have to be to drive a motorcycle in Meulaboh?
a. 8
b. 12
c. 17
d. old enough to reach the pedals
2. Who must wear a helmet on a motorcycle?
a. only the driver
b. the driver and the passengers
c. only the passengers
d. helmets are optional
3. Are driver’s licenses mandatory for all drivers?
a. no
b. yes
c. only for those between the ages of 17 – 40 for everyone but becak drivers
4. Approximately how many moving violations (traffic tickets) are issued per week?
a. 0
b. 10
c. 100
d. 1000
5. Do bicycles have the same rights on the road as motorcycles, cars and becak?
a. yes
b. no
6. What is Deputy Taufik’s advice for bicyclists?
a. use appropriate hand signals when turning
b. ride against oncoming traffic and always use the crosswalks
c. keep left and use caution when maneuvering across traffic
d. don’t try to SMS while riding
7. What is the major cause of accidents in Meulaboh?
a. driving too quickly on narrow roads
b. attempting to pass cars
c. failure to stop at traffic lights
d. smoking while driving
8. What should you do if you’re involved in a minor accident?
a. settle the incident with the other party and return to your respective homes
b. exchange phone numbers
c. explain that you’re truly sorry and offer to buy him/her a cup of kopi Aceh
d. come to the police station and report it
9. What should you do if you’re involved in a major car accident?
a. ask a third party to decide who was at fault
b. call the Special Unit for Traffic Accidents
c. find a driver to take both parties to the nearest hospital for a thorough evaluation
d. come to the police station and report the incident
10. What are the general road recommendations of Deputy Taufik?
a. obey the rules
b. be a courteous driver
c. don’t honk at night
d. all of the above
ANSWERS
1. C. In Indonesia, in order to drive a motor vehicle, one must be 17 years old. This law holds true for Meulaboh, as well.
2. B. Everyone on a motorcycle is required to wear a helmet.
3. B. Yes, drivers of all vehicles must have a license. For Indonesians, a driver’s license may be obtained at the small police station (50 meters past Cut Nyak Dien Hospital on the way to Kaway XVI) but for expats the procedure must be completed in Medan. To receive a license a three part test, including a section on health, theory and practice, must be passed.
4. A. None. Deputy Taufik explained that during this post-tsunami period the police force has made a conscious decision to be tolerant of traffic violations. Instead of issuing traffic tickets, police officers talk with the traffic offenders and give warnings. This decision was made out of respect to the many Meulabohites who are still distressed over the tsunami and may not be thinking clearly on the road.
5. A. Yes. Deputy Taufik shared that no vehicle in Meulaboh has priority or special privileges over another—every vehicle and everyone has equal rights on the road.
6. C. Although bicycle accidents are rare, they do happen—often bicycles are victims of cars. Deputy Taufik suggests bicyclists always keep left and to be extra careful when maneuvering across traffic. As a side note, it’s never a good idea to SMS while riding your bicycle.
7. A. According to Deputy Taufik, accidents in Meulaboh are often a result of people driving too quickly on narrow roads. The morning and late afternoon times are especially dangerous and extra caution should be used at these times. In Meulaboh, typically one to two accidents are reported per week. Often these accidents occur on the road to Kaway XVI (near the hospital) and Nagan Raya.
8. D. If you are involved in a minor accident, whether it’s on a bicycle, motorcycle or in an NGO vehicle, Deputy Taufik recommends the involved parties come to the police station and report the incident.
9. B. If you’re involved in a serious accident, the Special Unit for Traffic Accidents should be contacted at 0813-608-70101. The operator will dispatch the police and if someone is injured an ambulance will be sent to the scene.
10. D. Deputy Taufik encourages all new drivers in Meulaboh to “obey the rules, be courteous drivers, and not to honk at night.”
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