TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, said that the accident recently occurred at the Cikopo-Palimanan (Cipali) toll road was not due to the construction f the toll road, but rather a common phenomenon often associated with new roads, particularly new toll roads. "Based on its geometrical structure, Cipali toll road is safer," Basuki said to Tempo on Wednesday, July 8, 2015.

Basuki said that the Cipali toll road is safe to be used and could reduce traffic congestion along the northern coastline route by 40 percent. In addition, Basuki informed that there are eight rest areas along the Cipali toll road that can be used by drivers to relieve fatigue.

Basuki explained that based on its geographical structure, the Cipali toll road is much safer compared to the Cipularang toll road because it has no steep slopes.

Basuki added that accidents had also happened during early days of the opening of the Jagorawi toll road, the Surabaya-Gempol toll road, Jakarta-Cikampek toll road, and Jakarta-Tengerang toll road. Basuki said that accidents happen because drivers often get carried away with the fact that they are driving on a straight, congestion-free road.

In an attempt to prevent accidents, Basuki said that the Police will conduct regular patrols along the Cipali toll road, and use speakers to warn drivers to remain focused while driving.

DEVY ERNIS