Riding safety enforced to reduce accidents

Bali Police have relaunched a safe-riding campaign to reduce the traffic accident rate among motorcycle riders in the city.

Sr. Com. Bambang Sugeng, director of traffic at the Bali Police office, said a continuous campaign was badly needed to arouse people's understanding and awareness on riding safety.

"The rate of traffic accidents among youths is increasing. Many are 16 years to 24 years old."

The police recorded that at least three people died in various traffic accidents, mostly involving motorcyclists.

Many young people were still unaware of traffic road safety regulations, he said.

According to data from the traffic section, the number of motorcycles in Bali increases every month. Bali sees an increase of 7,000 units of vehicles; 5,000 units are motor cycles.

He added the campaign involved producers of motorcycles, telecommunication companies, private sectors and communities.

The campaigns took place in strategic spots such as schools, shopping malls and village community halls.

"We don't have an adequate budget to do the campaign alone. We need more support to make the campaign attractive and informative."

In the next few months, Bali will enforce the 2008 Law on Traffic.

Under the law, motorcyclists are required to wear helmets while driving.

They are also required to turn on their lights day and night. Those who violate the law will have to pay Rp 100,000.

Implementing the law is challenging, Sugeng said.

"Many people complain they waste energy by turning on lights during the day."