Keep Off the Shoulder on the Toll Road: Safety First
- Istimewa
Jakarta, VIVA – The left shoulder of the road on the toll road has an important role that some motorists often underestimate.
Although it looks empty and tempting to use, using the shoulder on the highway is not something that can be done carelessly.
As quoted from Toyota's site, the shoulder of the toll road is specifically designed for emergency situations.
This area is located on the far left side of the toll road, adjacent to the road's property area, such as vacant land, grass, or guardrails.
Its primary function is to provide space for vehicles experiencing emergencies, such as breakdowns or flat tire changes, and not for other purposes.
Unfortunately, many road users still violate the rules by using the shoulder to overtake vehicles or stop without an emergency reason. Such actions are highly dangerous and can trigger accidents.
The use of toll road shoulders is clearly regulated in Government Regulation Number 15 of 2005, Article 41, Paragraph 2.
The regulation states that the shoulder of the road may only be used for traffic flow in emergency conditions and for vehicles that stop due to emergencies, such as breakdowns or mechanical failures.
Ilustrasi melintas di bahu jalan tol.
- Edo Rusyanto
It is not allowed for towing, pulling, or pushing vehicles, nor for picking up or dropping off passengers or goods.
Furthermore, the shoulder must not be used to overtake other vehicles. The emergency situations referred to include traffic accidents or road maintenance, where part or all of the main lane is inaccessible.
For drivers feeling fatigued, it is essential to utilize the rest area facilities provided. Stopping on the toll road shoulder to rest is highly risky, as other vehicles may be traveling at high speeds.
Additionally, the shoulder of the road has a different asphalt quality and width compared to the main lanes, making it unsafe as an alternative route.
The risk of skidding or rear-end collisions is significantly high, especially when vehicles travel at high speeds in unstable areas.
