Annual traffic fatalities hold steady at 367 in West Nusa Tenggara

Panca Nugraha, ,  The Jakarta Post, ,  Mataram   |  Sat, 12/27/2008 10:55 AM  |  The Archipelago

West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) has recorded 751 traffic accidents which have claimed the lives of 367 people in its seven regencies and two municipalities between January and November this year.

NTB Police data indicated another 461 people suffered severe injury and 547 suffered minor injury.

"Besides the number of traffic casualties, material damage was also quite high this year, totaling Rp 1.2 billion (US$109,000)," said provincial police chief Brig. Gen. Surya Iskandar during a year-end press conference in Mataram on Friday.

The vast majority of the accidents involved motorcyclists and were in general caused by driver negligence, especially speeding and ignoring traffic signals.

Surya said the number of traffic accidents and deaths in 2008 dropped slightly from last year's figures when 1,012 cases, 398 fatal, were recorded.

However, he said, the 367 fatalities this year were still too many and reflected low public awareness of good safety practices.

"Generally, accidents lead to fatal injury because drivers do not use safety gear such as helmets," Surya said.

He said more fatalities were likely before the end of the year, citing the annual trend of a spike in road accidents occurred during New Year's Eve celebrations, when many people are out and about.

In light of this, Surya added, the provincial police would be directing traffic and putting more traffic cops on the street in several trouble spots on New Year's Eve.

Separately Surya said the number of vehicle thefts in the province had risen this year compared to 2007.

As of November last year, 411 vehicles were stolen, compared with 488 so far this year. Most thefts were motorcycles taken while parked at public places or residences.

Surya said the police were working to reduce the incidents, but warned vehicle owners to be on their guard.

"We suggest cyclists use additional locks on their bikes, besides the handle lock. Thieves will think twice before stealing a motorbike with additional locks. It's also the duty of owners to protect their vehicles."

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.