Causes of Traffic Accidents in Medan City

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 33 views

Introduction

Traffic accidents are a serious public health problem that affects millions of people worldwide every year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.35 million people lose their lives due to traffic accidents annually, while tens of millions of others suffer injuries. Medan City, one of the cities with the highest traffic accident rates in North Sumatra, is a point of attention in this study. This study aims to identify and describe various factors causing traffic accidents in the city of Medan for the period 2016 to 2019, using a descriptive approach and quantitative methods.

Methodology

The data used in this study was obtained from the Minutes of Examination (BAP) recorded by the Medan Polrestabes Traffic Unit. The research population included all traffic accident events recorded from January 2016 to June 2019. The analysis was conducted to identify the characteristics of drivers involved in accidents, including their age, sex, profession, and possession of a driving license. Additionally, the study examined the types of vehicles involved in accidents, as well as the causes of accidents, including violations of traffic markers or signs, excessive speed, and damage to the road.

Results

The results of the analysis showed that the characteristics of drivers involved in accidents were dominated by male drivers (84.1%) in 2016, with the highest age range between 16 to 25 years (35.1%). In terms of profession, the majority of drivers were private employees (52.6%), and the most worrying aspect was that 75.6% of drivers did not have a valid driving license (SIM). In addition, traffic accidents were most often caused by violations of traffic markers or signs, with the highest percentage of 55.1% occurring in 2016.

Causes of Traffic Accidents in Medan City

The analysis revealed that human factors, especially drivers, were the dominant causes of traffic accidents in Medan. The excessive factor contributed greatly to accidents, with 33.3% in 2016. In addition, damage to the road, such as potholes, was a significant cause of accidents, reaching 57.1% in 2016. These results highlight the importance of driver awareness in obeying traffic regulations and prioritizing driving safety.

Importance of Driver Awareness and Education

The results of this study emphasize the need for driver awareness and education in obeying traffic regulations and prioritizing driving safety. Initiative to improve driving safety education and more stringent law enforcement of traffic violations needs to be applied. It is hoped that with this effort, the number of traffic accidents in Medan can be significantly reduced, creating a safer driving environment for all road users.

Role of Public Awareness and Government Involvement

Public awareness and government involvement in providing good road infrastructure, clear signs, as well as education about the importance of traffic safety play an important role in reducing the number of accidents. With this comprehensive approach, we can jointly create a more secure Medan city and appreciate public safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study identified various factors causing traffic accidents in Medan City for the period 2016 to 2019. The results showed that human factors, especially drivers, were the dominant causes of traffic accidents. The importance of driver awareness and education in obeying traffic regulations and prioritizing driving safety cannot be overstated. Initiative to improve driving safety education and more stringent law enforcement of traffic violations needs to be applied. Public awareness and government involvement in providing good road infrastructure, clear signs, as well as education about the importance of traffic safety play an important role in reducing the number of accidents.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improve driving safety education and awareness programs for drivers, especially young drivers.
Implement more stringent law enforcement of traffic violations, including fines and penalties for drivers who do not obey traffic regulations.
Provide good road infrastructure, including clear signs and markings, to reduce the risk of accidents.
Increase public awareness about the importance of traffic safety and the need for drivers to obey traffic regulations.
Collaborate with government agencies, schools, and community organizations to promote driving safety and reduce the number of accidents.

By implementing these recommendations, we can create a safer driving environment for all road users and reduce the number of traffic accidents in Medan City.

Q: What are the most common causes of traffic accidents in Medan City?

A: The most common causes of traffic accidents in Medan City are human factors, especially drivers, who do not obey traffic regulations and prioritize driving safety. The excessive factor, damage to the road, and violations of traffic markers or signs are also significant causes of accidents.

Q: What is the role of driver awareness and education in reducing traffic accidents?

A: Driver awareness and education play a crucial role in reducing traffic accidents. Initiative to improve driving safety education and more stringent law enforcement of traffic violations needs to be applied. This can help create a safer driving environment for all road users.

Q: What is the importance of public awareness and government involvement in reducing traffic accidents?

A: Public awareness and government involvement in providing good road infrastructure, clear signs, as well as education about the importance of traffic safety play an important role in reducing the number of accidents. With this comprehensive approach, we can jointly create a more secure Medan city and appreciate public safety.

Q: What are the recommendations for reducing traffic accidents in Medan City?

A: The following recommendations are made:

Improve driving safety education and awareness programs for drivers, especially young drivers.
Implement more stringent law enforcement of traffic violations, including fines and penalties for drivers who do not obey traffic regulations.
Provide good road infrastructure, including clear signs and markings, to reduce the risk of accidents.
Increase public awareness about the importance of traffic safety and the need for drivers to obey traffic regulations.
Collaborate with government agencies, schools, and community organizations to promote driving safety and reduce the number of accidents.

Q: What is the impact of traffic accidents on the community?

A: Traffic accidents have a significant impact on the community, causing physical and emotional harm to individuals and families. They also result in economic losses, including medical expenses, lost productivity, and property damage.

Q: What can individuals do to reduce their risk of being involved in a traffic accident?

A: Individuals can reduce their risk of being involved in a traffic accident by:

Following traffic regulations and laws.
Practicing defensive driving techniques.
Avoiding distractions while driving, such as using a phone or eating.
Wearing a seatbelt and ensuring all passengers do the same.
Maintaining a safe following distance and speed.

Q: What is the role of government agencies in reducing traffic accidents?

A: Government agencies play a crucial role in reducing traffic accidents by:

Implementing and enforcing traffic laws and regulations.
Providing funding for road infrastructure and safety initiatives.
Conducting public awareness campaigns to promote traffic safety.
Collaborating with community organizations and schools to promote driving safety.

Q: What is the future of traffic safety in Medan City?

A: The future of traffic safety in Medan City is promising, with ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure, increase public awareness, and promote driving safety. With the implementation of the recommendations outlined in this study, we can create a safer driving environment for all road users and reduce the number of traffic accidents in Medan City.