Reckless driving: Teenagers ride a motorcycle without safety protections in Jakarta. JP/Jerry Adiguna

Touring racer Denny Pribadi is not confident when traversing Jakarta'€™s roads. Other than keeping sugary or carbonated drinks and mints nearby to fight off drowsiness, he always takes precautions while driving in the city.

'€œNo matter how careful we are, accidents could happen. Expecting the worst is key,'€ he said. Jusri Pulubuhu from Jakarta Defensive Driving Consulting said there are two steps Jakartans have to consider before driving.

'€œThe first step would be prevention action. You are better off reducing your presence on the road as much as possible,'€ he said. If driving is unavoidable, he said, drivers must be fully prepared.

'€œMost traffic accidents occur because of a driver'€™s failure to anticipate an accident.'€

Jusri suggests drivers take anticipatory actions as follows:

Being fit to drive: Check your vehicles to make sure they are in fit conditions. If the drivers are not fit to drive, call a taxi or get someone else to drive for you.

Mirror check: Do checks in the rearview and side mirrors before maneuvering. Remember, the mirrors have blind spots, too, so regularly check them as well.

Drive according to conditions: It is the term for anticipation in a safe driving world. Empty streets are the most dangerous as drivers tend to speed up. Speed rules are not made for nothing.

Always expect the worst: Consciously raise your alert level. Analyze each situation you are in and do not rely on your motor reflexes. Spontaneous action is a big no-no in safe driving. There are safer ways to avoid crashes other than by hitting the brakes.

Driving is a full-time job: Stay focused and keep your eyes on the road. Avoid using your phone while driving. It seems harmless, but the last thing you need while on the road is a mental distraction.

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